Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has departed the national team camp ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash with Armenia. His withdrawal comes in the aftermath of the 2-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland on Thursday, a match in which he was shown a straight red card.
Ronaldo received the dismissal after VAR adjudged that his elbow on defender Dara O’Shea warranted more than the initial yellow card. Under international football rules, a straight red results in an automatic two-match suspension, placing the forward at serious risk of missing the opening fixture of what is widely expected to be his final World Cup appearance.
Portugal are still battling to secure their place at next year’s global tournament. The 2016 European champions must defeat Armenia on Sunday to guarantee their qualification. A draw could leave their fate uncertain, as a heavy win for Hungary — specifically a margin of more than three goals over Ireland — would push Portugal toward a tense playoff route instead.
Ronaldo’s absence adds further pressure to a pivotal moment in Portugal’s World Cup campaign.
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