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Cristiano Ronaldo To Miss Portugal’s First Game at 2026 World Cup After Red Card

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In a moment of madness during Portugal’s 2-0 defeat against the Republic of Ireland, Cristiano Ronaldo was shown a red card for a nasty elbow. Now facing a suspension, an update has emerged on whether he’ll miss any of the 2026 World Cup.

Despite Roberto Martinez’s side dominating possession, it was the hosts who took the lead through Troy Parrott with 17 minutes on the clock. The AZ Alkmaar forward was then on hand to double their advantage before half-time, sending the Aviva Stadium into raptures.

Frustration was steadily building amongst Portugal’s players, and Ronaldo eventually snapped just after the hour mark. Catching Dara O’Shea with an elbow in the back, the referee decided to show a yellow card, but upgraded it to red after a VAR intervention.

The striker was furious with the decision, sarcastically applauding the crowd as he left the pitch. He then got into an argument with Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson on the sidelines too.

Watch Ronaldo’s Reaction to the Sending Off Below:

Ronaldo Could Miss 2026 World Cup Opener

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts with Republic of Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson
World Cup – UEFA Qualifiers – Group F – Republic of Ireland v Portugal – Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland – November 13, 2025 Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo reacts with Republic of Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson as he leaves the pitch after being shown a red card REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

Ronaldo’s sending off all but condemned Portugal to defeat on the night, as Ireland held on to secure a famous win. But the incident means that the nation’s talisman could miss the opener of the 2026 World Cup.

According to BBC Sport rule expert Dale Johnson, a straight red means he should now face a two-game suspension. That will mean he misses their match against Armenia on Sunday and potentially the first game of the tournament, provided that they automatically qualify.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is set to miss Portugal’s first game of the World Cup after being sent off on VAR review for violent conduct.

He should get a two-game ban which would be served vs. Armenia on Sunday and the first game of the World Cup. (Assuming Portugal qualify auto).”

Currently, Portugal are on 10 points in Group F, two clear of Hungary in second place. A victory against fourth-placed Armenia in their final World Cup qualifier would guarantee their place in the competition in the United States.

Ronaldo, who has scored more goals than any other player in international football, has already admitted that the 2026 World Cup will be the last of his career. Speaking at the Tourise Summit in Riyadh, the 40-year-old said: “Definitely, yes. I will be 41 years old and I think [this] will be the moment in the big competition.”

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PSG Leading Race Ahead of Liverpool for Maghnes Akliouche

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Liverpool could be set to miss out on one of their summer transfer window targets, with PSG now leading the race, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Reds are preparing for a big summer window after a disappointing season in the Premier League.

Liverpool are also entering a new era after it was confirmed that Andoni Iraola would take over from Arne Slot ahead of the new season.

The Merseyside club will be looking to back the new manager with reinforcements, especially with the former Bournemouth boss having a unique style of play.

Iraola style is more high-pressing and energetic than Slot, which could require different profiles of players.

It looks set to be a busy summer transfer window for Liverpool, but they already appear to be missing out on targets.


Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca


Fabrizio Romano: Man City Enter Liverpool and Arsenal Race to Sign ‘Ridiculous’ Star

Man City are keen on the midfielder.

Liverpool Behind in Race for Star

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola looks on during Premier League match

According to a report from Fabrizio Romano, Paris Saint-Germain are now leading the race ahead of two Premier League clubs for Monaco talent Maghnes Akliouche.

Reports claimed earlier this year that Liverpool were showing strong interest in signing the French star in a deal worth around £60 million.

Akliouche, described as ‘insane’, is expected to move this summer, with ‘talks and approaches intensifying’, according to Romano.

Monaco expect bids for Akliouche soon, and it remains to be seen where he will end up.

England World Cup Quiz

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Liverpool May Have Other Priorities Now

RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande celebrates a goal REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

Liverpool appear to have other priorities in the summer transfer window ahead of the likes of Akliouche.

The Reds are pushing to sign RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, who also has interest from PSG, and he has already agreed personal terms to join the club.

Liverpool have already seen an offer in the region of €100 million rejected for Diomande. The offer was €80 million plus €20 million in add-ons, according to GIVEMESPORT sources.

The Reds are looking to find a replacement for Mohamed Salah, who is leaving the club on a free transfer this summer. Diomande has been identified as the ideal option.

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Sweden’s Alexander Isak is Playing at the World Cup With Eritrea’s Flag on His Boots

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Alexander Isak is currently competing in his first-ever World Cup tournament this summer, but has another country’s flag on his boots. Liverpool’s British transfer fee record signing has looked much more like himself so far this tournament, with one goal and three assists in three appearances meaning he ranks among the best performers based on stats.

Sweden drew 1-1 with Japan in their final match to set up an unenviable Round of 32 tie with France, who are among the favourites for glory come July 19. In that crunch fixture, Isak is likely to come up against Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, but there’s no reason for him not to believe he can go toe-to-toe with them alongside Viktor Gyokeres.

Eagle-eyed supporters watching Tuesday night’s action might be keen to spot which flag Isak wears on his boots ahead of the iconic blue and yellow Swedish emblem. There’s a reason behind it.

Which Flag Alexander Isak Wears on his Boots – And Why

Alexander Isak TT News Agency via Reuters

Isak is proud of his heritage and has the Eritrean flag on his boots. The flag has been seen on Isak’s right Adidas boot in both World Cup games. Though he was born in Solna, just north of capital Stockholm, Isak’s parents are from Eritrea in Horn of Africa and moved to Sweden. Speaking in an interview with Alan Shearer, he said:

“Even though I grew up in Sweden, there is a big Eritrean community. I was always around, and raised, in that type of environment. I haven’t been there many times lately, but last time I was there, it was a really good experience. I don’t think there are too many idols they have within the sports world.”

He visited a football school during a trip to Eritrea, where he was mobbed by young children who look up to him. The country marked its 35th Independence Day in May after decades of struggle, and Isak wore an Eritrea shirt to send a celebratory message.

Located on the Red Sea coast, Eritrea borders Ethiopia, Sudan and Djibouti. The country gained independence in 1993 after a long war of liberation.

Isak represented Sweden at youth level before making his senior debut in 2017, ultimately committing his international future to the Scandinavian nation. Although he was also eligible to play for Eritrea, the national team had endured a long absence from major continental competition, going close to two decades without an Africa Cup of Nations appearance.

Their return to competitive action in March this year marked a rare bright moment, as they beat Eswatini 2-0 in a qualifier staged in Morocco due to a lack of suitable infrastructure in Eritrea. They followed that up with a 2-1 win in the return leg, results that finally earned the nation an official FIFA world ranking after years of inactivity.


FIFA World Rankings


FIFA Men’s World Rankings List

The latest international rankings have been revealed – Spain have been dethroned ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Before those victories, Eritrea had been the only unranked side in the system. Their earlier absence from qualifiers, including withdrawals from 2026 World Cup qualifying, left them in a unique position within the rankings. Reporting has previously suggested that repeated pullouts were linked in part to concerns over players seeking asylum while travelling abroad for international fixtures.

Since 2007, it is estimated that dozens of players and coaching staff have left the national setup during overseas trips, according to UN figures. More recently, Eritrea sit around 184th in the FIFA rankings, though that position could improve if they maintain consistent participation and results moving forward.

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Man City Enter Liverpool and Arsenal Race for Ayyoub Bouaddi

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Manchester City have now entered the race to beat Liverpool and Arsenal to a signing in the summer transfer window.

It’s already looking like a summer transfer window where the top clubs in the Premier League are all competing for similar targets.

The midfield market is going crazy at the moment, and it seems every top-six side in the Premier League is pushing to add another body in the middle of the park.

Clubs will always be fearful when a side like Manchester City enters the race, as they certainly aren’t afraid to splash the cash in the market.

Man City are already pushing to bring in a new midfielder, with reports confirming that they have now agreed a deal to sign Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson.

City are preparing for life under a new manager, with GIVEMESPORT sources confirming that Enzo Maresca will replace Pep Guardiola, although his appointment is yet to be confirmed.


Mikel Arteta


Man City Make Enquiry for Star Who’s Already Agreed to Join Arsenal

They could be ready to hijack the transfer for the Premier League champions

Man City Enter Liverpool and Arsenal Race

Enzo Maresca

Enzo Maresca

According to Fabrizio Romano on YouTube, Manchester City have entered the race to sign Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.

“Manchester City have a genuine interest in Bouaddi. He’s one of the players being considered by Manchester City, eventually for summer 2027. The starting idea, then lets see how conversations develop, could be to go for the player in 2027.”

The Premier League side want to sign the Moroccan international in 2027 rather than now, and they face competition from both Arsenal and Liverpool.

“Arsenal and Liverpool had meetings before the World Cup for this boy. Both clubs were already tracking him. Manchester City are in the conversation for 2027.”

Whether Manchester City not being keen until 2027 impacts Bouaddi’s future remains to be seen, as Arsenal or Liverpool could make a move in the summer of 2026.

Another season playing regularly in Ligue 1 might not be bad for Bouaddi’s development before making the move to Man City next summer.

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Man City Could Miss Out on Bouaddi

Bouaddi via Reuters

Manchester City could miss out on the signing of Bouaddi, described as a ridiculous talent, in the summer of 2027, as there’s a strong chance that Arsenal or Liverpool make a move this year.

If Liverpool and Arsenal know that Man City have an interest, they might want to make a move quickly in order to get ahead in the race.

Bouaddi is already enjoying a strong World Cup for Morocco, so there is every chance that another club enters the race to secure his signature.

This could make it difficult for City to beat the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal for his signature, especially if he is keen on making a move in the coming weeks and months.

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