Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the first to send his congratulations to the Portuguese team after his teammates officially qualified for the 2026 World Cup, with a 9-goal demolition of Armenia. Ronaldo was forced to watch the game from afar after being allowed to leave the training camp early.
He does not need to stay while serving his suspension. In the 2-0 defeat to Ireland in Dublin, Ronaldo received a straight red card after colliding with centre-back Dara O’Shea, when his arm swing into the defender’s back was deemed violent conduct by the referee. Ronaldo is now awaiting the final punishment, which could include a further suspension. Despite missing their captain, Portugal comfortably beat Armenia at the Estadio do Dragão. Roberto Martinez’s side faltered when Renato Veiga’s opener was levelled but then dominated. Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick (including two from the penalty spot). Gonçalo Ramos, João Neves and Francisco Conceição also got on the scoresheet. The win put Portugal top of Group F, three points ahead of Ireland and a place in the 2026 World Cup.
Before the match, Ronaldo posted a message of encouragement on social media: “ Let’s go team! All together, today and forever! For Portugal and our flag! ” After Portugal’s big win and official qualification to the World Cup, he continued to write: “ WE’RE IN THE WORLD CUP! GO FOR IT, PORTUGAL! ”
The 2026 World Cup will be Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup. He will be 41 by the time the tournament takes place, but is still going strong and has just renewed his contract with Al-Nassr.
Coach Martinez spoke up to defend his student when talking about the controversial red card: “ It was his first red card in 226 games. That in itself deserves recognition. I think the punishment is a bit harsh because Cristiano was pulled, pushed and hit continuously in the box. The slow-motion replay makes the situation look worse than it really was. I don’t think it was an elbow. ”
However, FIFA can impose an extended ban, and a maximum three-match suspension is still a possibility. Coach Martinez stressed: “ It was not a violent act. It was a reaction to provocation. We will prepare the case to protect him. It would be unfair if Ronaldo received a long ban. ”
Ronaldo also reaffirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his last major tournament, although he once attracted attention when he said he “might be retiring soon”, but later clarified that he still has at least a few years left at the top level.
