Ronaldo Sent Off As Ireland Stun Portugal In World Cup Qualifier

Cristiano Ronaldo received a straight red card as Portugal fell 2–0 to Ireland in a dramatic World Cup qualifier on Thursday, delaying their chance to book an automatic ticket to the 2026 tournament.

The defeat, sealed by a first-half brace from Troy Parrott, keeps Ireland’s qualification hopes alive and leaves Group F wide open heading into the final round of matches.

Portugal remain top with 10 points, two ahead of Hungary and three above Ireland, with one match left to play on Sunday.

Ireland Strike Early as Parrott Delivers a Career Night

Ireland came into the game knowing they needed at least a draw to avoid elimination after Hungary defeated Armenia 1–0 earlier in the day. But what unfolded at the Aviva Stadium was beyond their expectations, or Portugal’s.

Despite Portugal controlling possession early on, Ireland struck first.
Parrott opened the scoring in the 17th minute after Liam Scales nodded a corner across goal, allowing the AZ Alkmaar forward to head home from close range.

Portugal pushed back immediately. Joao Neves curled a shot inches wide, Joao Felix missed a header, and Chiedozie Ogbene almost doubled Ireland’s lead at the other end, smashing a shot off the post.

Just before halftime, Parrott delivered again, cutting inside from the left before beating Diogo Costa at his near post to send the home crowd into a frenzy.

Read also: Cristiano Ronaldo Confirms 2026 World Cup Will Be His Last

“This is probably the best night I have had in my entire life,” Parrott told RTE. “I’m overwhelmed… over the moon.”

Ronaldo’s Red Turns the Tide Further

Portugal attempted to regroup after the break, but their chase collapsed in the 60th minute when Ronaldo was sent off for elbowing Dara O’Shea.
The 40-year-old received his 13th career red card, but his first ever for Portugal, after VAR reviewed the incident.

His frustration was clear: he sarcastically applauded the Irish crowd and exchanged tense words with Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson before shaking his hand.

It capped a disappointing run for Ronaldo, who had missed a penalty against Ireland in the reverse fixture last month. Depending on the ban length, he could miss the opening matches of the World Cup, assuming Portugal qualify.

Portugal, coached by Roberto Martínez, have now failed twice to clinch qualification.
They drew with Hungary in October and have now fallen to an unexpected defeat in Dublin.

“We’re sad and disappointed,” Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva said. “Credit to the opponent, they caused us great difficulties.”

The top team in Group F qualifies automatically, while the second-placed side heads into the playoffs. Ireland, last seen at a World Cup in 2002, now travel into the final matchday with renewed belief.

For Portugal, the final round has turned from a formality into a must-win.