It looks like Cristiano Ronaldo 🤩 will make it to the 2026 World Cup without sitting out any matches, thanks to FIFA’s latest disciplinary ruling. On Tuesday, FIFA announced a three-game ban for Ronaldo’s elbow on Dara O’Shea back in early November during a 2-0 qualifier defeat against the Republic of Ireland. But here’s the twist: two of those games are deferred under a one-year probation period.
Ronaldo already served a mandatory one-match ban in Portugal’s final qualifier, a wild 9-1 win over Armenia that punched their ticket to next summer’s football fiesta in North America. Fans had expected him to miss at least one more game and start his record sixth World Cup from the bench. Instead, he’s free to train and play, as long as he stays out of trouble for the next 12 months.
Under FIFA’s disciplinary rules, probationary periods can shrink a ban—but it’s rare for a three-game suspension to see two matches deferred. In similar foul cases this month, players from Armenia and Burundi each served full three-game bans without probation. Ronaldo got the softer deal.
If he repeats a comparable offence during the probation, FIFA’s statement warns, the remaining two games of his ban will kick in. Until then, Portugal’s superstar is set to line up in friendlies next March and summer warm-ups, building fitness and form ahead of the official kick-off on June 11, 2026.
With this reprieve, Cristiano Ronaldo can focus on chasing glory in what could be his final World Cup—gear up for more epic goals, iconic celebrations, and maybe a little drama, too. 🌟⚽️
Reference(s):
Ronaldo set to avoid ban at World Cup after FIFA defers his punishment
cgtn.com
