2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying: Hungary vs Ireland

Hungary face Republic of Ireland in a must-win showdown in their final 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier in Qualifying Group F.

Victory would see Hungary top the group if Portugal lose to Armenia, although a win of at least three goals or more would be enough for Hungary if Portugal were to suffer a 0-0 or 1-1 draw in their game.

Ireland must win to at least secure a play-off spot but they can top the group if win by three goals or more and Portugal suffer defeat of two goals or more against Armenia.

 

Team News

Hungary have no fresh injury or suspension concerns to report following their victory away to Armenia.

Ireland will welcome Ryan Manning and Jayson Molumby back after the pair missed their 2-0 home victory against Portugal.

Seamus Coleman and Chiedozie Ogbene could drop to the bench to manage their fitness following recent injury issues, having both played much of the game against Portugal.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Hungary host Ireland at Puskas Arena, Budapest, on Sunday 16 November at 3pm CET (2pm GMT), live on Amazon Prime in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• Hungary have avoided defeat in four of five previous World Cup Qualifiers against Ireland (W2, D2, L1).
• Ireland are yet to win away to Hungary in World Cup Qualifiers (D1, L1), having lost 4-0 in November 1969 then drew 0-0 in March 1989.
• Hungary are yet to concede at home to Ireland in World Cup Qualifying.
• Two of Hungary’s four goals at home in this qualifying group were scored by Barnabas Varga (W1, L1).
• Ireland have scored three goals in their last two matches without conceding (W2).

 

Prediction

Having only scraped a 1-0 victory away to Armenia despite their dominance and with second in their own hands although top spot could be possible, Hungary now need to be more clinical because this is do-or-die really for their World Cup qualification ambitions.

Ireland though will come into this game full of confidence off the back of two wins and despite their poor away record to Hungary in World Cup Qualifiers, they know that this isn’t impossible after they came from behind at home in this fixture for a 2-2 draw,

That clinical victory over Portugal with a resilient second-half defensive effort now needs to be replicated because the first goal here could be decisive, but if Hungary are wasteful then Ireland could well take advantage and snatch that play-off spot.

Prediction: Hungary 1-2 ROI

Result: Hungary 2-3 ROI