Cristiano Ronaldo set to face World Cup ban alongside Chelsea star player

Their nations will have to cope without them

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The 40-year-old Al-Nassr star was sent to the stands after swinging an elbow towards Irish defender Dara O'Shea.

He was initially shown a yellow card, but VAR overruled the initial on-field decision and the four-time Ballon d'Or winner was subsequently sent off.

The result of that decision has far reaching ramifications.

Not only will the former Real Madrid man miss Portugal's game against Armenia on Sunday, a key World Cup qualifier, but it seems very likely he will also be banned for the beginning of the World Cup, due to FIFA regulations.

Per FIFA rules, players handed a red card should miss "at least two matches for serious foul play" and "at least three matches for violent conduct."

While it remains to be seen how Ronaldo's red will be classified, if his offence is viewed by officials as constituting serious foul play, he will miss the start of the World Cup.

In fact, as the Armenia game is Portugal's last competitive fixture before the start of the tournament, Ronaldo would miss both of the European nation's opening two group games in the US World Cup.

This comes after Ronaldo admitted earlier this week, that the 2026 tournament would be his last before retirement.

Alongside Ronaldo, Chelsea's star midfielder Moises Caicedo also looks set to be banned for the opening of the World Cup.

The holding midfielder was sent off in an Ecuador qualifier back in September.

The tournament, split across USA, Mexico, and Canada kicks off next June.