4 min readNov 14, 2025 06:27 AM IST
First published on: Nov 14, 2025 at 06:26 AM IST
Cristiano Ronaldo was in for a rude shock in Portugal’s latest FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier trip to Dublin as the 40-year-old suffered his first international red card in his senior team career, spanning 22 years and 226 matches.
With only a win away from stamping their ticket to the World Cup in the Americas next year, Ronaldo and Portugal stumbled before Ireland, with the talismanic star striker being shown off the field in the 43rd minute. The first-half brace from Troy Parrott swept away a 10-man Portugal’s chances, with captain Ronaldo now in danger of potentially missing out the first set of matches at the World Cup.
Ireland, who have not qualified for a major tournament in a decade and last reached a World Cup in 2002, needed at least a draw to keep their qualification hopes alive and a first half Troy Parrott double capped their best performance in years. “I think it’s probably the best night that I’ve ever had in my whole life,” player of the match Parrott said in a pitchside interview. “It’s such a relief and an overwhelming feeling to see the hard work paying off… We all knew how important this game was for us.”
Ronaldo’s first in 226 games
Prior to the game, Ronaldo had jokingly stated that he would “try to be a good boy” to avoid upsetting the Irish supporters.
A draw at home to bottom-placed Armenia is likely the most Portugal need to secure automatic qualification. But they will have to do it without Ronaldo, whose initial yellow card for lashing out with an elbow to the back of Ireland defender Dara O’Shea was upgraded after review to his first-ever red card for Portugal in his 226th appearance.
After a frustrating night, Ronaldo chose not to accept his penalty quietly; instead, he sarcastically applauded the Irish supporters and exchanged words with Republic of Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson before leaving the pitch.
In October, Ronaldo was accused of “controlling the referee” during their win over the Irish by Hallgrimsson.
“He complimented me for putting pressure on the referee,” said Hallgrimsson when asked about their touchline exchange. “It was his action on the pitch that cost him the red card. It had nothing to do with me – unless I got into his head.”
‘A captain who was never sent off’
When asked if he had spoken to Ronaldo after the match, Hallgrimsson replied that they had “spoken enough” when Ronaldo was leaving the pitch. He added that there was “nothing to speak about,” dismissing Ronaldo’s actions as just a “moment of a little silliness.”
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez defended Ronaldo’s actions and took a swipe at Hallgrimsson Regarding the incident, Martinez argued that the red card was “a bit harsh” given that Ronaldo, “a captain who has never been sent off before in 226 games,” deserves credit, stressing that Ronaldo “cares about the team.”
Will Ronaldo miss World Cup 2026 matches?
Ronaldo could potentially miss the start of Portugal’s World Cup campaign should they qualify. While he is suspended for Sunday’s final qualifier against Armenia, the 40-year-old could receive a three-match ban for violent conduct.
In FIFA’s disciplinary code, chapter two, Article 14(i) states: “Players and officials shall be suspended for misconduct as specified below… at least three matches or an appropriate period of time for assault, including elbowing, punching, kicking, biting, spitting or hitting an opponent or a person other than a match official”.
If Ronaldo is slapped with a three-match ban and Portugal qualify automatically for the World Cup, he will miss their first two group games in North America. If Portugal slip into the play-offs, he will serve out his suspension during those games.
– With Reuters inputs
Cristiano Ronaldo suffered his first red card in a senior Portugal shirt in 22 years while facing Ireland in Dublin. (AP) 
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