Cristiano Ronaldo received a red card in the match against Ireland, being automatically suspended for the match against Armenia. An additional possible sanction could also exclude him from matches at the 2026 World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off in the 61st minute of the match against Ireland after hitting defender Dara O'Shea, which will result in an automatic suspension for the last match of the qualifying group against Armenia. Portugal needs a draw to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Depending on the severity of the sanction, Ronaldo could also miss the first matches of the final tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. The incident is considered 'violent conduct', and coach Roberto Martinez defended Ronaldo's behavior, stating that it was not violent. This is the first time Ronaldo has been sent off in a national team match after 226 appearances. Additionally, Nicolás Otamendi, the Argentine defender, was also suspended for a match at the World Cup after a similar dismissal.