Cristiano Ronaldo Faces 3-Week FIFA Verdict Wait on World Cup Ban for Red Card

Cristiano Ronaldo likely faces a three-week wait to discover the length of his FIFA ban ahead of the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup.

The Portugal superstar could be suspended for two or three games for the red card he was shown Thursday for striking Ireland defender Dara O’Shea with an elbow during a 2-0 loss in Dublin.

FIFA has taken three weeks after rounds of 2026 World Cup qualifying games to publish a global list of disciplinary verdicts, including for red cards and incidents such as crowd disorder.

Now, however, FIFA is under less time pressure to process cases with no World Cup playoff games until March, but there is intense interest in the Ronaldo outcome.

FIFA declined on Friday to suggest a timetable for the case.

A one-game ban is mandatory and will be served Sunday when group leader Portugal hosts last-place Armenia. A win will send Ronaldo's team to the finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

FIFA disciplinary rules demand a ban of "at least two matches for serious foul play" or "at least three matches for violent conduct."

Those extra games beyond the mandatory sanction must be served in competition, at the World Cup – if Portugal qualifies on Sunday, as expected – and not in pre-tournament exhibitions.

Ronaldo spun round and swung his right elbow into O’Shea’s back as they waited for the ball to be crossed around the hour mark at Aviva Stadium, with Ireland holding a surprise 2-0 lead.

The referee at first showed a yellow card, but minutes later upgraded it to red after a video review at the field-side monitor.

"I don’t think it’s an elbow, I think it’s a full body," Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said in Dublin. "Obviously, when he tries to get away from the defender, I think the action looks worse