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Portugal

Ronaldo scores as Portugal advances, ‘Bismillah’ gesture draws attention

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Ronaldo scores

TORONTO: Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot as Portugal national football team defeated Croatia national football team 2-1 to advance to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Playing in Toronto, Portugal secured the victory with goals from Ronaldo and Gonçalo Ramos, while Croatia’s lone goal came from Ivan Perišić.

A video circulating on social media appeared to show Ronaldo saying “Bismillah” twice before taking his successful penalty kick. The gesture drew widespread attention online, although Ronaldo has not publicly commented on the clip.

Elsewhere, Switzerland national football team defeated Algeria national football team 2-0 to reach the Round of 16.

In another knockout match, Spain national football team beat Austria national football team 3-0, recording its first World Cup knockout-stage victory since winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final.

Ronaldo confirmed for record sixth FIFA World Cup with Portugal

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Ronaldo confirmed

LISBON: Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make history after being named in Portugal’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he is expected to become the first player to feature in six World Cup tournaments.

The 41-year-old forward was included in the squad announced by Portugal coach Roberto Martínez, confirming his participation in the tournament to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico beginning on June 11.

Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr FC, already holds the world records for most international appearances (226) and most international goals (143).

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is one of six players to have appeared in five World Cups and is now poised to set a new record with a sixth appearance for Portugal national football team.

FIFA reduces Cristiano Ronaldo’s ban following meeting with Trump

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FIFA reduces

International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has issued a special ruling for Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo, reducing his suspension to one match after receiving a red card, just days after the striker met with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Ronaldo, 40, was initially facing a three-match ban for violent conduct during Portugal’s recent match against Ireland, which would have sidelined him for Portugal’s 2026 World Cup opener.

However, FIFA cited that this was the first red card of Ronaldo’s international career spanning more than two decades, leading to the shortened suspension.

The striker had already served his ban in the subsequent match against Armenia, making him eligible for Portugal’s opening World Cup fixture.

Portugal’s head coach Roberto Martinez previously defended Ronaldo, arguing that his on-field outburst did not constitute violent conduct.

FIFA clarified that if Ronaldo commits a similar offense during the probationary period, the remaining two-match suspension will be enforced immediately.

The special ruling comes shortly after Ronaldo’s high-profile meetings with President Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the latter’s visit to the United States.