Northern Ireland meet Hungary in a huge League B2 showdown in the UEFA Nations League.
Depending on the result of Georgia’s home clash against Ukraine in the early evening kick-off, victory could return Northern Ireland to the summit.
Hungary meanwhile will look to move into the top two with a win.
Team News
Dan Ballard is ruled out for Northern Ireland after he suffered a suspected hamstring injury during their 1-0 victory away against Georgia.
Hungary will be without forward, Damir Redzic after he suffered an ankle injury during their 1-0 loss to Ukraine.
When is Kick-Off?
Northern Ireland host Hungary at Windsor Park on Monday 28 September at 7:45pm BST, live on BBC One Northern Ireland, BBC Three (England, Scotland & Wales) and BBC iPlayer.
Stat Attack
- This is Northern Ireland’s first Nations League meeting against Hungary.
- Hungary are making their first Nations League trip to Northern Ireland, but are yet to taste defeat in five previous visits in all competitions (W4, D1).
- Northern Ireland are chasing consecutive victories for the first time since June – September 2025.
- This is Hungary’s first away match in 2026, having played all five of their matches so far in this calendar year at home (W3, D1, L1).
Prediction
Having grinded their way to a narrow last-gasp victory away to Georgia, Northern Ireland must take the confidence of their gutsy defensive resilience into this match which will be another tough test, especially given their poor home record against Hungary so more clinical finishing is key.
Hungary though will want to produce a reaction to their wasteful defeat against Ukraine in which they were the better attacking team – yet just lacked the end product needed to breach Ukraine’s defence, so I am expecting them to try and get control of this game early on.
This match though marks Hungary’s first away match of the year so if there is any rust from having had five matches at home, Northern Ireland probably need to pounce early otherwise this could be a tough fight that I would fancy Hungary to edge if can get on top.
My instinct though is favouring a draw if Northern Ireland can dig in and play as well as they did against Georgia.
Prediction: Northern Ireland 1-1 Hungary
Result: Northern Ireland 0-0 Hungary