Cristiano Ronaldo has been cleared to play in Portugal's opening matches of the World Cup next year after being handed a favorable suspension from FIFA in response to a recent red card.

Cristiano Ronaldo will be able to play for Portugal in their opening game at next summer's World Cup finals despite his red card against the Republic of Ireland.

"In line with article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the serving of the two remaining matches has been suspended under a one-year probation period," said FIFA in a statement given to AFP.

The draw uses regional restrictions to prevent teams from the same continent (except Europe) from being placed in the same group. As FIFA’s expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup approaches, the organization’s complex tournament draw is once again raising questions from fans trying to understand how teams are placed into groups.

FIFA announced Tuesday the four pots that will be used to make the draw for the 2026 World Cup.