PREVIEW - FIFA World Cup Qualifier - Hungary v Republic of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland face Hungary in Budapest tomorrow knowing that a win will secure their Play-Off spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers.

The team comes into this fixture full of momentum following an incredible 2-0 victory over Portugal at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday night, a result that has put a World Cup Play-Off place firmly within our grasp.

The permutations are clear. For Ireland, victory is the only objective and will guarantee, at minimum, a play-off place. For the hosts, Hungary, a draw will be enough to secure their passage. This sets up a winner-takes-all clash where the pressure will be on the home side in front of their supporters, while our Boys in Green know exactly what is required.

The crucial match will take place at the Puskás Aréna on Sunday, November 16, with kick-off at 2pm (3pm local time). 

Match Details

Fixture: Hungary v Republic of Ireland
Date: Sunday, November 16
Time: 2pm (3pm local time)
Stadium: Puskas Arena
TV: RTE
Tickets: Sold out

Match Officials

Referee: Espen Eskâs (NOR)
Assistant Referee 1: Jan Erik Engan (NOR)
Assistant Referee: 2: Isaak Elias Bashevkin (NOR)
Fourth Official: Sigurd Kringstad (NOR)
Video Assistant Referee: Juan Martinez Munuera (ESP)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Kristoffer Hagenes (NOR)

MD-1 Press Conference | Head Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson

On would you pick the same team: "Yeah, I’m tempted. I'm tempted to play the same team. Will I do it? I don't know.

"We don't care, we're trying to focus on us. That's a big task. First of all, focusing after a good game, building on that one, just realising what it was that created that win and try to reproduce that.

"We said we would always take it if we go to the final match and we still have a chance and everything is in our hands. And we grab it. We love the fact that it's in our hands now."

MD-1 Press Conference | Goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher

"It was a big occasion for us as a team. I think we were due a big victory like that for a while now. But all that does now is just set it up for us on Sunday, so we enjoyed the victory, obviously, but I think pretty soon after the game, attention turned towards this game and how important this is.

"When you get a big win like that, it gives everyone a big boost and fills the whole team with a lot of confidence, and I think we're going to go into Sunday now ready and prepared.
There's going to be a lot of pressure on them, and their home fans are going to come to this game expecting them to go through. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves as well, you know, we really rate ourselves as a team and put pressure on ourselves to to qualify for a major tournament."

Match Facts - Hungary v Republic of Ireland

- Hungary are winless in their last seven meetings with Republic of Ireland in all competitions (D4 L3) since a 4-0 win in qualifying for the 1970 World Cup.
- Five of the Republic of Ireland’s seven away games in Hungary have ended in draws (W1 L1) – three of the last four have been goalless (March 1989, June 2012 and June 2021).
- Hungary have won six of their last seven home matches in qualifying for major tournaments (EURO/World Cup), losing the other 3-2 against Portugal in September this year.
- Republic of Ireland have lost both of their first two away World Cup qualifiers in 2025, losing to Armenia and Portugal. They haven’t lost three away World Cup qualifiers in a row since a run of eight defeats between May 1961 and May 1973.
- Hungary have won two of their last three competitive internationals (D1), as many as in their previous 13 combined (W2 D4 L7). They are looking for consecutive wins in competitive games for the first time since October 2023 (run of three).
- Republic of Ireland have won their last two World Cup qualifiers – they are looking to register three competitive wins in a row for the first time since November 2016, while they last did so without conceding a goal in October 2015.
- Troy Parrott netted a brace in the Republic of Ireland’s 2-0 win over Portugal last time out – it was the fifth game he’s scored in for Ireland, winning all five. Only Steve Staunton (8) and Callum Robinson (6) have scored in more games for the nation and won every time.
- Dominik Szoboszlai has been involved in eight goals in his last 12 appearances for Hungary (5 goals, 3 assists). In 2026 World Cup qualifying, he has created 15 chances – seven more than any of his Hungarian teammates.

Republic of Ireland Squad v Portugal

Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Brentford), Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Mark Travers (Everton) 

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Jake O'Brien (Everton), Jimmy Dunne (Queens Park Rangers), Liam Scales (Celtic), John Egan (Hull City), Kevin O'Toole (New York City), Ryan Manning (Southampton). 

Midfielders: Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Josh Cullen (Burnley), Finn Azaz (Southampton), Conor Coventry (Charlton Athletic), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Andrew Moran (LAFC), Jamie McGrath (Hibernian) 

Attackers: Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Adam Idah (Swansea City FC), Johnny Kenny (Celtic), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion), Chiedozie Ogbene (Sheffield United), Festy Ebosele (İstanbul Başakşehir).