Cristiano Ronaldo can play in 2026 World Cup opening matches after FIFA suspends his ban, with two matches deferred under one-year probation
LISBON: Cristiano Ronaldo is eligible to feature in Portugal’s opening matches at the 2026 World Cup after FIFA issued a partially suspended ban.
The global football governing body confirmed on Tuesday that Ronaldo’s three-match suspension would see two matches suspended under a one-year probation period.
The 40-year-old received his first international red card in 226 appearances during Portugal’s 2-0 loss to Ireland in Dublin earlier this month for elbowing defender Dara O’Shea.
Ronaldo has already served one match of his ban during Portugal’s subsequent qualification victory against Armenia.
FIFA stated that the two remaining matches would be suspended under article 27 of its Disciplinary Code.
“The serving of the two remaining matches has been suspended under a one-year probation period,” FIFA confirmed in an official statement.
“If Cristiano Ronaldo commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be deemed automatically revoked.”
The men’s all-time international top scorer with 143 goals now aims to compete in his sixth World Cup tournament next summer.
Ronaldo has never won football’s premier trophy but led Portugal to Euro 2016 glory.
The Al Nassr striker recently attended a White House dinner where he met US President Donald Trump.
Trump revealed that his son Barron “is a big fan” of the Portuguese captain.
The 2026 World Cup group stage draw will take place on December 5. – AFP
