Ronaldo receives first-ever red card for Portugal in clash with Ireland
Cristiano Ronaldo (photo: Getty Images)
In the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Cristiano Ronaldo received a straight red card for the first time in more than 20 years of playing for the national team. The incident became a pivotal moment in the match against Ireland, where Portugal lost 0–2.
Ronaldo left his team shorthanded after an elbow strike
The Portuguese forward started the fifth-round qualifier in the starting lineup. By halftime, Roberto Martínez's team was already trailing 0–2, with both goals scored by Ireland's Troy Parrott.
In the 59th minute, referee Glenn Nyberg sent off the 40-year-old forward after a clash with Dara O'Shea. While fighting for position, Ronaldo struck his opponent with an elbow as O'Shea tried to stop him by grabbing his shirt. After reviewing the episode, the referee immediately showed a straight red card.
This is Ronaldo's first sending-off with the national team since his debut in 2003. For Portugal, he has played 226 matches and, before this incident, had received only yellow cards (32 in total).
Martínez reacts: 'I think the action looks worse than what it actually is'
Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez defended his captain, stressing that emotion and the intensity of the battle played a role.
"I thought it was a bit harsh because he cares about the team. He was almost 60 minutes in the box being grabbed, pulled, pushed and obviously he tries to get away from the defender. I think the action looks worse than what it actually is. I don't think it's an elbow, I think it's a full body, but from where the camera is, it looks like an elbow. But we accept it," Martínez explained.
The coach also emphasized that the 40-year-old leader still shows the same dedication he had at the start of his career.
What consequences Ronaldo may face
FIFA classifies such incidents as violent conduct. These violations carry a minimum penalty of a three-match suspension. If he receives the maximum penalty, Ronaldo risks missing the start of the 2026 World Cup, since friendly matches do not count toward serving a suspension, and Portugal has only one official qualifier left to play.
In his club career, Ronaldo has been sent off 12 times: eight via straight red cards and four after receiving two yellows.
Portugal has not yet secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup
In the current qualifiers, Ronaldo has played five matches and scored five goals. Portugal leads the group with 10 points but has not yet secured a place in the final tournament formally.
In the final round, the team will face Armenia. The match will take place on Sunday, November 16, at 4:00 PM Kyiv time.
Earlier, we reported that UEFA approved the match schedule for Euro 2028.
