Dublin, Ireland - November 13, 2025 Video filmed by X user Rep of Ireland Player Tracker shows Cristiano Ronaldo being sent off during a 2026 World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Ronaldo, aged 40, received a straight red card in the 61st minute for elbowing Ireland defender Dara O'Shea, marking his first dismissal in 226 appearances for Portugal. The decision came after a VAR review upgraded an initial yellow card to red, following Ronaldo’s frustration during Portugal’s 2-0 defeat, with both goals scored by Troy Parrott in the first half. As a result of the red card, Ronaldo will miss Portugal’s final qualifier against Armenia and may also be suspended for their opening match of the 2026 World Cup if FIFA issues a three-game ban for serious foul play. The match unfolded as a dramatic upset, with Ireland’s win damaging Portugal’s qualification campaign and exposing tense exchanges. Those included Ronaldo’s interaction with Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, who suggested he might have gotten into Ronaldo’s head. This moment forms part of a wider context in which Portugal, despite a star-studded squad, is struggling to secure qualification, in contrast to teams like Argentina, which had already advanced earlier.