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Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal Qualified For FIFA World Cup 2026: Cristiano Ronaldo was not in action on Sunday as Portugal defeated Armenia with a sensational performance, beating them by 9-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Portugal have qualified for the mega tournament, which is scheduled to be played in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Ronaldo is all set to play the World Cup for the record sixth time as he aims to add the only major trophy he has not won in his decorated career. After a 0-2 defeat against Ireland, Portugal were without their legendary skipper Ronaldo, who was suspended for a red card he received in the previous match. However, the hosts faced no problem against Armenia as both Joao Neves and Bruno Fernandes struck hat-tricks. Renato Viega, Goncelo Ramos, and Francisco Conceicao also found the back of the net. Portugal will compete in their seventh consecutive edition of the World Cup.

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Why Cristiano Ronaldo Could Miss FIFA World Cup 2026 Matches

The World Cup qualification of Portugal could turn out to be a bitter one for Ronaldo fans as the five-time Ballon d'Or winner could miss the first two matches of their campaign next year.

Notably, Ronaldo received a red against Ireland during Portugal's defeat. As it was a direct red card, it could lead to a punishment of as many as a three-match ban. Although it is yet to be confirmed. It can also be a two-match ban, in which case, Ronaldo will only miss the tournament opener for Portugal.

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Interestingly, the suspension can only be completed in the official matches, which means Portugal's international friendly matches in March will not be counted.

The Portuguese legend Ronaldo has already confirmed that the 2026 edition of the World Cup will be the last of his career. "Definitely, yes. I'm gonna be 41 years old and I think it will be the moment," Ronaldo told a Saudi forum via Video link. This will mean that Ronaldo will miss the chance to play the World Cup on home soil as Portugal will host the 2030 edition alongside Spain and Morocco.

"Soon. I think I will be prepared. I will cry, yes. I am an easy guy to cry. I am honest. I am an open person. It will be very, very difficult. I prepared my future since 25-26-27 years old. I think I will be capable of supporting my future," said Ronaldo in an interaction with journalist Piers Morgan on his YouTube channel 'Piers Morgan Uncensored'

"Nothing will compare with the adrenaline we have when in football we score a goal, but as I say, everything has a beginning and an end. I have another passion. I will have more time for me, my family, and the kids, especially Bella, who is two years old. When I travel and stay in a hotel with the team, I start to feel kind of rushed. I want to follow Cristiano Jr. He is at an age when you start to do stupid things. Normal because I did the same. I want to be a better family person," Ronaldo added.

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