Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo can play in the first game of the 2026 World Cup after FIFA's Disciplinary Committee issued him a one-match ban -- which he has already served -- for the red card he received in his country's 2-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland on Nov. 13.

The superstar had been expected to be banned for at least one more game and start what will be his record sixth World Cup on the sideline.

FIFA published a disciplinary verdict Tuesday that imposed a three-game ban, yet with two of those games deferred for a one-year probation period.

FIFA issued Ronaldo a further two-match ban, which he will not serve provided he does not commit another disciplinary incident.

"If Cristiano Ronaldo commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationar

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