Cristiano Ronaldo received a three-match ban from FIFA for an elbow incident, but two games were suspended under probation, allowing him to play in the upcoming World Cup despite the disciplinary action.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has avoided missing any matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the governing body suspended the majority of his ban, according to a report from The Athletic and a subsequent FIFA statement.
The 40-year-old star was issued a straight red card—his first in 226 appearances for Portugal—for swinging an elbow at Republic of Ireland defender Dara O’Shea during a 2-0 World Cup qualification defeat on November 13, 2025.
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee subsequently imposed a customary three-match ban for violent conduct.
However, the punishment was quickly commuted. Ronaldo served the first mandatory game during Portugal’s subsequent 9-1 win over Armenia on November 16, 2025, which sealed their passage to the tournament.
Crucially, the remaining two matches were deferred under a probationary period, ensuring his availability for what will be his record sixth World Cup.
FIFA outlined the condition of the reprieve in a statement: “In line with article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the serving of the two remaining matches has been suspended under a one-year probation period.
“If Cristiano Ronaldo commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension set out in the disciplinary decision shall be deemed automatically revoked and the remaining two matches must be served immediately at the next official match(es) of the Portuguese representative team.”
The decision brings immediate relief to the Portugal squad ahead of the finals in North America.