In the UEFA Euro Qualifiers, the Republic of Ireland took on Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo was shown a red card after committing an elbowing foul on John O’Shea during the match.
Recently, Pedro Proença, President of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), discussed the situation of Portugal national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo in an interview with Camel Live. Additionally, he addressed the fact that Ronaldo will not be suspended for the team’s opening match of the World Cup.
The 40-year-old Ronaldo was unfortunately shown a red card in the match against Ireland, but the Portuguese captain will officially return in the first game of the 2026 World Cup. FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee had initially handed him a three-match ban, but two of those matches were deferred, meaning Ronaldo only served the suspension in the game against Armenia.
Regarding this outcome, Proença said: “This is the result of in-depth and meticulous work by the Portuguese Football Federation. It is truly extremely important for our captain Cristiano Ronaldo to be able to play in the first match of the World Cup finals. This is not only because of the extraordinary significance Ronaldo himself represents, but also crucial for the goals we have set for the Portuguese team at this World Cup.”
“We are heading to the World Cup with great desire, and we will also be one of the title favorites. I believe it is very key and important to participate in the World Cup with a full-strength squad.”
When asked by reporters if winning the World Cup would be a perfect ending to Ronaldo’s brilliant career, Proença stated: “Yes, Ronaldo himself has expressed this idea, but I think the most important thing is that it means a great deal to the Portuguese people. I feel that our national team is very close to this goal, and I believe we are fully capable of being among the few countries that can compete for the title and ultimately become world champions.”
