Ronaldo cleared for World Cup opener despite red card
Thursday, 27 November 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo will be able to play for Portugal in their opening game at next summer's World Cup finals despite his red card against the Republic of Ireland, reports BBC Sports.
FIFA suspended the final two games of a three-match ban on Tuesday.
Ronaldo, 40, was sent off for an elbow to Dara O'Shea's back during Portugal's 2-0 qualifying defeat earlier this month.
Violent conduct normally carries a three-match ban but Ronaldo has
had the second
and third matches suspended for a year.