Cristiano Ronaldo could miss at least the opening game of the 2026 World Cup after receiving a red card for violent conduct during Portugal’s 2-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland on Thursday.

As reported by ESPN on Thursday, the Al Nassr forward was shown a yellow card initially in the 61st minute for elbowing Ireland defender Dara O’Shea.

Still, after a review via VAR, the referee upgraded the decision to a red card. It was Ronaldo’s first red card for Portugal in his 226th international appearance, setting a record in men’s football, though he has been sent off 13 times at club level.

Following FIFA disciplinary rules, Ronaldo faces a mandatory one-match ban in competitive fixtures.

The regulations state that violent conduct could result in a ban of “at least three matches or an appropriate period of time for assault, including elbowing.”

The ban would apply to competitive games and cannot be served in pre-tournament friendlies.

Portugal went into the game knowing a win would secure their place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but two goals from Troy Parrott stunned the visitors.

Despite the loss, Portugal still leads Hungary by two points in Group F, meaning a win against Armenia on Sunday will ensure Ronaldo reaches his sixth World Cup.

Before the game, Ronaldo acknowledged the challenge of playing at the Aviva Stadium, where he expected to face boos from Irish fans.

He said, “I really like the fans here. The support they give to the national team it’s lovely. For me, it’s a pleasure to come and play here again. Of course, it will be tough. I hope they don’t boo me too much tomorrow. I swear that I’m going to try to be a good boy.”

After being sent off, Ronaldo was seen reacting to the crowd’s jeers with a wry expression, clapping his hands and giving two thumbs up in a gesture interpreted as sarcastic.

Ronaldo’s red card came after previous controversies with Irish fans, including accusations in the reverse fixture of having undue influence over the match official when Rúben Neves scored a last-minute winner against Ireland. (PUNCH)