The Boys in Green face the Magyarok (Magyars) in their final match of the 2026 UEFA World Cup Qualifiers at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest.
Last Time Out:
Hungary’s most recent match came on Thursday, away to Armenia at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in Yerevan. Hungary earned a 1–0 victory, with Barnabás Varga scoring the decisive goal.
Ireland played Portugal on Thursday at the Aviva Stadium. It was a thrilling and memorable night for the Boys in Green, who claimed a stunning 2–0 win over the European giants and current UEFA Nations League champions. Troy Parrott was the standout performer, scoring both goals in a man of the match display. Ireland also benefited from playing with an extra man after Cristiano Ronaldo was shown a red card in the 61st minute.
Both teams head into this encounter with confidence and momentum, each aiming to take another step toward securing a place in the playoffs.
Previous Meetings:
06.09.2024 Ireland 2 – 2 Hungary.
04.06.2021 Ireland 2 – 1 Portugal.
08.06.2021 Hungary 0 – 0 Ireland.
Key Players:
Hungary – Dominik Szoboszlai
Dominik Szoboszlai has been a world-class performer this year, shining for both Liverpool and his native Hungary. The dynamic midfielder played a crucial role in the qualifier against Portugal, assisting Attila Szalai’s goal before finding the net himself in stoppage time to secure a dramatic 2–2 draw.
Szoboszlai also continued his fine form in Europe, delivering a standout performance in his last UEFA Champions League game against Real Madrid, where he set up a goal for Argentine star and 2022 World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister.
As Hungary prepare for this decisive fixture, all eyes will once again be on their captain and playmaker. Will Dominik rise to the occasion and produce another goal or assist to make his country proud?
Ireland – Caoimhín Kelleher
Since joining Brentford in the summer, Caoimhín Kelleher has been outstanding between the posts. His crucial saves this season against top players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes have shown just how talented and composed he is under pressure.
Kelleher has also impressed for the national team. Despite Ireland’s recent defeats to Armenia and Portugal, the goalkeeper has consistently done his job and kept his side in contention.
As Ireland prepare to face Hungary, all eyes will once again be on Caoimhín Kelleher. If the hosts are awarded a penalty, could Caoimhín pull off another big save, just as he did against five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo and against Bruno Fernandes?
Prediction:
Predicted score: Hungary 1–2 Ireland
Hungary will be eager to deliver a strong performance against Ireland on Sunday as they look to make their country proud and keep their hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers playoffs alive. Hungary is a nation with a rich footballing tradition, having produced icons like the late Ferenc Puskás, as well as current stars such as Péter Gulácsi, Milos Kerkez, and Dominik Szoboszlai. It will be a tough matchup, but I don’t think Hungary will quite have enough to overcome Ireland.
Meanwhile, the Boys in Green have endured a difficult run of results, including narrow defeats to Portugal in Lisbon and to Armenia last month. However, their most recent performance offered some renewed hope, and they now have a clearer path toward securing a playoff spot. While Ireland may not boast as many established world-class players as Hungary, they do have an exciting generation of young talent, including Jake O’Brien, Caoimhín Kelleher, Nathan Collins, and Adam Idah. With so many hungry youngsters in the squad, Ireland will likely give everything to secure a place in the playoffs. The team hasn’t appeared at a World Cup since 2002, and that added motivation could be a major driving force heading into this match.
Key Information:
Where To Watch: RTÉ 2
Kick Off: Sunday November 16th, 14:00
Referee: Espen Eskås
Match Odds: Hungary 9/5, Draw 2/1, Ireland 13/8