Sports Cristiano Ronaldo will not play in the opening World Cup match in 2026.

Prior to the 2026 World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain of Portugal, is suspended. After being sent out for violent behavior during Thursday’s 2-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland, Ronaldo may miss at least the first match of the tournament next year. In the 61st minute, the 40-year-old elbowed Ireland defender Dara O’Shea, earning him a yellow card at first. However, the referee escalated the ruling to a red card after a VAR review. In his 226th international game, Ronaldo received his first red card for Portugal.Ronaldo is subject to a mandatory one-match ban in competitive matches under FIFA disciplinary regulations. Violent behavior may result in a penalty of “at least three matches or an appropriate period of time for assault, including elbowing,” according to the regulations. Pre-tournament friendlies are exempt from the ban, which would only apply to competitive games.