Coach Thomas Tuchel recalled Cristiano Ronaldo’s red card to warn his players before the match against Albania in the final round of Group K, European 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Ronaldo’s red card is a wake-up call for all players ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Coach Thomas Tuchel was asked if he was worried about the red card in the final match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. He replied: “That is very important. I also know the situation (Ronaldo received a red card – PV) and will discuss it. England players should not receive a red card like that. We have advanced to the 2026 World Cup. If you are not sure about the situation, it is best not to do it.”
Coach Tuchel emphasized that his students need to be alert in 50-50 situations. Even if it is a situation where an English player has to stop the last man in their half of the field, they must be ready to let go to avoid the risk of receiving a red card. For the “Three Lions” at this time, preserving their numbers is much more important than a loss.
In Group K, England topped with an absolute record after 7 matches. Coach Tuchel and his team won 21 points, scored 20 goals and did not concede. In the final match, the “Three Lions” faced Albania in a formality match. Any player who receives a red card will be suspended until the 2026 World Cup.
According to Telegraph , Ronaldo’s red card is a lesson for all players in the final stage of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. If he is red carded in an official match, the suspension will only apply to the official match, so it will last until the group stage of the 2026 World Cup finals.
Ronaldo was sent off in Portugal’s 2-0 loss to Ireland. In the middle of the second half, the 1985-born superstar punched Dara O’Sea. The referee reviewed VAR and decided to give Ronaldo a red card. For now, CR7 is suspended for Portugal’s final match against Armenia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
European media reported that Ronaldo faces a very high risk of being suspended for 3 matches because of the red card he received for violent conduct on the field. If the worst case scenario happens, CR7 will be suspended for 2 matches in the 2026 World Cup group stage and this is truly a disaster for Portugal.
Wayne Rooney was in the same situation as Ronaldo before. Rooney received a red card in the final qualifying match of EURO 2012 when England faced Montenegro. After an appeal, Rooney’s suspension was reduced from 3 matches to 2 matches, but “Shrek” had to miss 2 group stage matches of EURO 2012.
