Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup Hopes Hang in the Balance After Red Card in Qualifier

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Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup dreams are in jeopardy after he was given a red card for elbowing Ireland defender Dara O'Shea in a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier. The 40-year-old star, who has played 225 times for Portugal, will now face a mandatory one-game ban if Portugal qualifies for the tournament. The red card, which was upgraded after a video review, came in the second half of the match as Portugal fell to a 2-0 surprise loss to Ireland. Ronaldo's reaction was met with jeers from the Irish fans, but he responded with a sarcastic gesture, clapping and raising his thumbs up. This was Ronaldo's first red card in senior international football, but he has received 12 red cards throughout his senior career. According to FIFA disciplinary rules, he could face a ban of at least two matches for serious foul play, which would put him at risk of missing Portugal's World Cup opener. Ronaldo has stated that he aims to play in a record sixth World Cup tournament, but his chances of doing so now hang in the balance. Portugal currently tops Group F with 10 points, but they will need to secure a win over Armenia on Sunday to qualify for the tournament. The FIFA World Cup draw is set to take place on December 5 in Washington DC, and Portugal's fate will be decided then. If they qualify, Ronaldo will face a tough decision about whether to serve his ban or risk his World Cup debut.