Cristiano Ronaldo's First Red Card Marks Portugal's Defeat to Ireland in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Football star Cristiano Ronaldo experienced an unexpected moment in his international career while playing for Portugal against the Republic of Ireland.

In a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier held at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin, on Thursday, November 13, 2025, Ronaldo received his first red card during his career in national team.

The incident happened in the 61st minute, adding to Portugal's 2-0 defeat to the hosts.

This red card was Ronaldo's first in 226 appearances for the Portuguese senior national team, a record that had stood for 22 years since his debut in August 2003.

Referee Glenn Nyberg's decision, which initially showed a yellow card, was changed to a straight red after a VAR review.

This moment not only shocked many but also had the potential to have serious consequences for Ronaldo's participation in subsequent qualifying matches and even the 2026 World Cup.

This defeat to Ireland also postponed Portugal's qualification for the 2026 World Cup, although they still top Group F.

Meanwhile, this surprising victory revitalized Ireland's hopes of advancing to the next round.

The match between Ireland vs Portugal presented unforgettable drama, with Ronaldo being the main focus for his red card incident.

Cristiano Ronaldo will never forget these Ireland fans 😂😂😂The booed him so hard off the pitch 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/evhSzlVJSs

— 𝐂𝐀 𝐕𝐀?🐐🐐 (@psg_chief) November 13, 2025

The crucial moment that led to Cristiano Ronaldo's red card happened in the 61st minute of the Ireland vs. Portugal match.

At the time, Portugal was trailing 0-2 against the Republic of Ireland and desperately trying to catch up.

Ronaldo was involved in a battle for the ball in the opponent's penalty box with Irish defender Dara O'Shea, which resulted in an elbow.

Initially, referee Glenn Nyberg of Sweden only issued a yellow card to the Portugal superstar.

However, after the VAR team reviewed the incident, the on-field referee's decision was changed.

Based on the replay, Ronaldo's elbow was deemed a serious foul, leading the referee to issue a straight red card.

It was the first red card in his senior international career, which has spanned more than two decades.

Cristiano Ronaldo's red card in the Ireland vs. Portugal match had serious consequences for the superstar.

According to FIFA's disciplinary rules, serious offenses such as elbowing can result in a minimum two-match suspension for "serious foul play" or a minimum three-match suspension for "violent acts" or "assaults, including elbowing."

This means Ronaldo could potentially miss Portugal's next qualifying match against Armenia, and if the sanction is more severe, could even affect his participation in the opening matches of the 2026 World Cup, should Portugal qualify.

Ronaldo's absence will undoubtedly be a significant blow to Roberto Martinez's squad in their quest to secure a spot in the tournament.

Ronaldo's reaction after receiving the red card also becomes sensation.

He was seen making sarcastic gestures by clapping and giving a thumbs-up to the jeering Irish crowd.

Furthermore, he was also seen making a "crying gesture" toward one of the Irish players before leaving the field.

The Republic of Ireland's 2-0 victory over Portugal in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers was one of the biggest surprises.

Ireland's two goals were scored by Troy Parrott, who scored in the 17th minute and just before halftime.

This result not only secured three crucial points for Ireland, but also postponed Portugal's World Cup qualification.

Despite the loss, Portugal still leads Group F with 10 points, two ahead of Hungary and three ahead of Ireland.

Portugal still has one match remaining against Armenia to secure their place in the 2026 World Cup.

For the Republic of Ireland, this victory is a breath of fresh air that has revived their hopes of qualifying.

With 7 points, they are now in second place in the standings, just two points behind Hungary, their final opponents.