Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a major boost ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after football’s global governing body moved to suspend part of his three-match ban, paving the way for the Portuguese captain to feature in the tournament opener.
The dramatic and unprecedented decision was delivered by FIFA’s independent Disciplinary Committee, triggering widespread debate across the football world.
FIFA Suspends Two Matches of Ronaldo’s Ban
Ronaldo had been facing a full three-match suspension following a red card for violent conduct in their 2026 UEFA World Cup qualifying match as Portugal lost 2-0 to the Republic of Ireland, a punishment that ordinarily would have ruled him out of Portugal’s first two World Cup matches.
Having already served one match — missing the fixture against Armenia — the remaining two games appeared set in stone.
However, in a ruling chaired by Muhammad Al Camali of the United Arab Emirates, the Disciplinary Committee opted to suspend the additional two matches, meaning Ronaldo will be eligible to play at the start of the World Cup as long as he maintains good conduct between now and the tournament.
The body emphasized its independence from the FIFA executive, noting that no external pressure influenced the verdict.
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