2026 World Cup Qualifiers Ronaldo Sent Off as Portugal Fall to Ireland; France Seal Qualification

The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers delivered high drama as Portugal suffered a surprising defeat to Ireland, highlighted by a rare red card shown to Cristiano Ronaldo. Meanwhile, France continued their dominant qualifying campaign and officially secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup.

Portugal entered the match as favourites, but Ireland pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the qualifying round. The turning point came in the second half when Cristiano Ronaldo, frustrated after missing a scoring opportunity, committed a late challenge that led the referee to issue a straight red card. The decision shocked fans and players, as Ronaldo has rarely been sent off in his international career

Ireland capitalised on Portugal’s disorganisation after the red card. Their strong midfield play and quick counter-attacks eventually resulted in a decisive winning goal. The Irish team celebrated a historic victory, keeping their qualification hopes alive and proving their growing strength in European football.

For Portugal, the loss has raised questions about their strategy and dependence on Ronaldo. The red card means the star forward will miss at least one upcoming qualifier, putting additional pressure on the team. Coach Roberto Martínez expressed disappointment but said the team would regroup quickly to stay on track for qualification.

On the other hand, France officially qualified for the 2026 World Cup after securing enough points with their latest victory. Led by Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann, France delivered consistent performances throughout the qualifiers. Their solid defense, fast attack, and strong bench depth have made them one of the strongest teams heading into the World Cup.

France’s qualification was expected, but their unbeaten run has impressed football fans worldwide. Coach Didier Deschamps praised his players for maintaining focus, discipline, and hunger despite being favourites.

As the qualifiers continue, Portugal now faces a tough road ahead. They must win their remaining matches to avoid slipping into the playoff zone. The team will need to adapt quickly in Ronaldo’s absence and rely more on young talents like João Félix and Rafael Leão.

Ireland’s victory gives them new motivation, and their next matches will play a crucial role in deciding their qualification chances. With confidence high, they are now seen as potential dark horses in the group.

The latest round of qualifiers has changed the standings, added pressure on some big teams, and delivered unforgettable moments  especially Ronaldo’s red card, which will be discussed for weeks.