Cristiano Ronaldo: Will the Portugal captain be banned at 2026 World Cup?

Earlier this week, Ronaldo announced next year’s World Cup would be his final major tournament, but now he is likely to miss the start of it.

The red card he received automatically carries a one-match suspension, ruling him out of Sunday’s crucial qualifier against Armenia.

But violent conduct almost always carries an extended suspension and the extra games would only be served in competitive fixtures.

If Portugal get the win they need against Armenia to qualify directly, their next competitive match would be their opening group game at the World Cup.

If the unlikely happens and Portugal do drop into the play-offs, the 40-year-old would sit out the semi-final and perhaps the final.

But how many games will Ronaldo get? That is in the hands of Fifa’s disciplinary committee.

Technically, Fifa could opt not to extend Ronaldo’s ban at all, meaning he would not be at risk of missing the start of the tournament.

However, Fifa disciplinary code states that a red card for “assault, including elbowing, punching, kicking, biting, spitting or hitting an opponent” should carry a three-match suspension. That would see Ronaldo miss Portugal’s first two World Cup group games or both play-off matches.

But it’s not quite as simple as that, as Fifa judges these matters on a case-by-case basis.

For instance, at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, England forward Lauren James was given two matches for stamping on the back of Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie.

So, Ronaldo should be banned for three games, but he might only receive a two-match suspension.

This article is the latest from BBC Sport’s Ask Me Anything team.