Cristiano Ronaldo is set to miss Portugal’s first game of the 2026 World Cup after being sent off for violent conduct in Thursday’s qualifier against the Republic of Ireland.
Before this week’s match at the Aviva Stadium, a calm and confident Cristiano Ronaldo admitted he fully expected to be booed by Irish supporters, especially after his celebrations in the earlier meeting between the two countries. Surprisingly, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner even encouraged the crowd to jeer him.
“The stadium will boo me — I’m used to that. I actually hope they do. Maybe it will take the pressure off the other players,” he told reporters. “What I want most is to enjoy it. It’s not completely decisive, but almost. We know that a win sends us through. We want to finish the job now.”
Just a day later, on his 226th appearance for Portugal, the 40-year-old was sent off for the first time in his international career after a yellow card was upgraded to a red. Footage showed Ronaldo swinging an elbow at Dara O’Shea in the 61st minute.
Under the rules, Ronaldo is expected to receive a two-match suspension, meaning he would miss Portugal’s upcoming game against Armenia on Sunday and the first match of next summer’s World Cup — assuming automatic qualification.
Right after the red card, an Ireland supporter was seen mocking the Al Nassr star, and Ronaldo responded with a sarcastic thumbs-up. It capped off a miserable night for both Portugal and their captain. Moments before his dismissal, he had also been caught making a taunting crying gesture toward an Ireland player.
Ahead of the match, Ronaldo had jokingly promised “to be a good boy,” while speaking about former Manchester United teammate John O’Shea, now Ireland’s assistant coach.
“Of course, he’s someone I spent many years with. I have a very good relationship with him — not only him but several Irish people,” Ronaldo said. With a wink, he added, “I repeat, I hope no one boos me tomorrow. It’s a pleasure to play here again. I swear I’ll try to behave.”
On the pitch, Ireland delivered a huge result, securing a 2–0 victory over Portugal thanks to a brace from Troy Parrott.
Ireland, currently third in Group F, will face Hungary on Sunday in a decisive final qualifier, sitting just one point behind the second-placed Hungarians.
