Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has avoided a FIFA ban and will be fully available for the opening fixtures of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing relief to millions of fans who feared the legendary forward might miss the tournament.

The 40-year-old was shown a controversial red card in a World Cup qualifying match against the Republic of Ireland, where he was sent off for elbowing Dara O’Shea. Under normal circumstances, violent conduct attracts a three-match suspension.

But FIFA has officially ruled that only one match will count towards his punishment, while the remaining two have been suspended for one year, meaning they will only be enforced if Ronaldo commits a similar offence within that period.

According to BBC Sport, Ronaldo’s extraordinary disciplinary record—zero red cards in 226 international appearances prior to this incident—played a major role in reducing his punishment.

He has already served the one-game ban, missing Portugal’s match against Armenia on November 16, and is now free to participate fully in the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.

FIFA clarified:
“If Cristiano Ronaldo commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be automatically revoked, and the remaining two matches must be served immediately.”

OPINION: A Fair Decision—And a Win for Football

Whether you love or critique Cristiano Ronaldo, one thing is undeniable: the World Cup is simply bigger, brighter, and more electric with him in it.

FIFA’s decision feels balanced and fair. Yes, the elbow was unnecessary. Yes, rules matter. But treating every incident with the same severity ignores context—and context matters here. A man who has given more than two decades of elite football, with over 200 caps and not a single prior red card, deserves the benefit of the doubt.

More importantly, football fans worldwide want to witness greatness on the biggest stage. Ronaldo may be 40, but he remains one of the most influential figures in the sport. His presence in the 2026 World Cup isn't just good for Portugal—it's good for the sport’s global appeal, viewership, and excitement.

And let’s be honest: a World Cup without Cristiano Ronaldo would feel incomplete.

Now, the ball is in Ronaldo’s court—literally. With his future disciplinary record under scrutiny, this is a chance for him to showcase not only his legendary skill but also the professionalism that has defined his career.

The countdown to 2026 just got a lot more interesting.