Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup Fate Revealed as Portugal Receives Suspension Ruling
Cristiano Ronaldo has received authorization to participate in Portugal's inaugural fixture of the 2026 World Cup following FIFA's decision to impose a suspended penalty on the 40-year-old for his aggressive behavior against the Republic of Ireland.
The five-time Ballon d'Or recipient was potentially facing a three-game suspension for striking Dara O'Shea with his trailing elbow during Portugal's 2–0 loss at Aviva Stadium. This red card marked the first dismissal in Ronaldo's 23-year international journey.
However, FIFA's disciplinary panel reduced the punishment to a single match prohibition, with two additional games suspended under a year's probation period. Given that Ronaldo already missed Portugal's 9–1 triumph over Armenia, he has essentially completed his suspension.
The Real Madrid legend is consequently available to spearhead Portugal in the United States, Canada and Mexico from the tournament's commencement. There had been increasing speculation regarding Ronaldo's position in the Portugal squad due to his age, but coach Roberto Martínez firmly supported his skipper, whom he considers possesses the "greatest desire" of any footballer globally.
Martínez Dismisses Discussion About Replacing Ronaldo
"Naturally, everyone holds a viewpoint," Martínez stated during a Sky Sports interview. "What I've observed is that when we triumph and Cristiano nets one or two goals, the media question becomes, 'What will you do when Cristiano isn't available? The squad relies on Cristiano excessively.' When Cristiano fails to score, it becomes, 'How will you succeed with a 40-year-old in the lineup?'
"For our perspective, it's more straightforward. He participates because he's netted 25 goals across the previous 30 matches. His statistics are remarkable. When he enters the training facility, he exemplifies professionalism, self-care, and utilizing each day for improvement. Additionally, there's that honor of representing the national squad."
Ronaldo recently disclosed his biological age registers as 28 years old while he maintains his quest for 1,000 career goals. The Al Nassr leader has scored seven times in his most recent seven Portugal appearances, contributing to the team's UEFA Nations League victory and World Cup qualification.
Martínez: Ronaldo Has Nothing Remaining to 'Demonstrate'
Martínez proceeded to lavish acclaim on Ronaldo, who has earned 226 caps for the Portugal national squad, netting 143 goals throughout his tenure.
"He possesses the greatest appetite I've witnessed in any athlete," the coach remarked. "Typically, a player secures a championship and lacks the same drive the following day in their work approach. He maintains that quality. I'm uncertain whether it's innate or something he cultivates through effort, but he retains that eagerness to avoid disappointing himself.
"I believe he doesn't need to demonstrate anything further. I think he's reached a stage where he competes for himself and those he cherishes because he doesn't need to silence critics. His accomplishments are already sufficient to establish a lasting impact."
Nevertheless, Ronaldo will aspire to conclude his final World Cup by securing the sole trophy that has eluded him throughout his distinguished 23-year career.