Why Cristiano Ronaldo Must Wait Three Weeks for FIFA’s Verdict on His World Cup Red Card Ban

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to wait nearly three weeks before learning the full extent of his FIFA suspension following his red card against Ireland in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Portugal captain’s dismissal for elbowing defender Dara O’Shea during Thursday’s 2–0 defeat in Dublin could result in a two- or three-match ban, depending on how FIFA categorizes the offence.

FIFA routinely publishes a comprehensive list of disciplinary actions, including red cards and incidents such as crowd disturbances, about three weeks after each round of World Cup qualifying fixtures. With the next World Cup playoff window not scheduled until March, the governing body is not under immediate time pressure to issue rulings — but Ronaldo’s case remains one of the most closely watched decisions.

Despite widespread interest, FIFA did not provide a specific timeline for its ruling when asked on Friday.

Ronaldo will automatically serve a mandatory one-match suspension when group-leaders Portugal host bottom-placed Armenia on Sunday. A victory would secure Portugal’s spot at the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

FIFA’s Disciplinary Rules

According to FIFA’s disciplinary code, suspensions start at “a minimum of two matches for serious foul play” and “at least three matches for violent conduct.” The length of Ronaldo’s ban will depend on how the judges classify the elbow incident.

If Portugal qualifies on Sunday, any additional suspension beyond the automatic ban must be served in competitive matches — not in pre-tournament friendlies or warm-up games.

The incident occurred around the hour mark at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, with Ireland unexpectedly leading 2–0. As both players waited for a cross, Ronaldo turned and thrust his elbow into O’Shea’s back. The referee initially showed a yellow card but upgraded it to a red after consulting the pitch-side VAR monitor.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez defended his captain, saying the contact appeared worse on camera than in real time. “I don’t think it’s an elbow; I think it’s a full-body movement,” Martinez said. “He tries to get away from the defender, and the angle makes it look much worse.”

Martinez added, “If the referee sees it as a red card for the right reasons, we accept it.”

Comparing Similar Bans

FIFA’s disciplinary panel will now decide whether Ronaldo’s action constitutes violent conduct or serious foul play. In recent qualifiers, players shown red cards for similar offences received two- or three-match bans.

Qatar defender Tarek Salman was suspended for two matches for a reckless, high-footed tackle on a UAE opponent, planting his studs into the player’s shin with both feet off the ground. Meanwhile, Burundi forward Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana was hit with a three-match ban after striking Kenyan goalkeeper Brian Bwire in the face while contesting a low cross.

Ronaldo’s First Red Card for Portugal

Martinez highlighted that Thursday’s dismissal was Ronaldo’s first in 23 seasons playing for the national team — a record he believes deserves praise. “He has been grabbed, pulled, pushed the entire game. He’s a captain who has never been sent off before in 226 games,” Martinez said.

The coach added, “I think the decision was a bit harsh. He cares deeply about the team.”

The final ruling could be announced after the World Cup group-stage draw on December 5, when each nation learns its three opponents.

Messi 2, Ronaldo 1

Ronaldo, who turns 41 in February, hopes to become the first player in history to appear in six FIFA World Cups. His long-time rival lionel messi is also set to feature in his sixth edition.

Messi received the first red card of his career during his Argentina debut in a 2005 friendly against Hungary, and his second came in the 2019 Copa América third-place match against Chile. Ronaldo, meanwhile, now has just one red card for Portugal.