Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off with a red card for the first time in his national team career during the World Cup qualifier against Ireland, which not only led to the team's 0-2 defeat but also put him at great risk of being suspended for the first match of the 2026 World Cup.

The red card came in the 61st minute when Cristiano Ronaldo used his hand to push Irish defender Dara O'Shea during a challenge. The referee initially showed a yellow card, but after VAR recommended reviewing the footage, the decision was upgraded to a red card. This marks a historic first for Ronaldo, who has never been sent off in 226 international appearances.

According to FIFA disciplinary regulations, violent conduct is typically punishable by a suspension of at least three matches, which applies directly to official tournaments, including the World Cup finals. If this ruling is upheld, Cristiano Ronaldo could miss at least one World Cup group stage match, or even more.

After the match, Portugal's head coach Roberto Martinez immediately spoke out in support of Cristiano Ronaldo, pointing out that the red card decision was too harsh and emphasizing that Ronaldo was pulled and pushed by opponents throughout the game.

Martinez said: "He has played 226 games for Portugal and has never been sent off, which is respectable in itself. I think today's penalty was too harsh; he was just breaking free of the defense for the team."

“He was in the penalty area for 60 minutes, constantly being pulled and pushed, and this happened when he tried to get rid of the defender. I don’t think it was an elbow strike; I think it was a whole-body movement, but the camera angle made it look like an elbow strike. However, we will accept the referee’s decision.”

Portugal only needed to beat Ireland to qualify for the World Cup, and they are still two points ahead of Hungary. Their next match against Armenia will be crucial.