At the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, on Sunday 16 November, Hungary and the Republic of Ireland face off in the highly anticipated match that concludes Group F of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. This game represents a direct clash for second place, a spot that guarantees access to the playoffs. Hungary arrives with a one-point advantage over Ireland, making them slight favourites in the race for the playoffs. The Irish, however, thanks to their unexpected win against Portugal, have reopened the group and travel to Budapest with a concrete chance to overtake Hungary on the final matchday. Marco Rossi’s side, despite having two results out of three available to secure second place, still nurture a small hope of directly qualifying for the World Cup — a scenario possible only if Portugal slip up unexpectedly against Armenia. A match, therefore, that promises to be tight, intense and full of competitive tension, with both teams ready to fight until the very end.

Hungary's Recent Form and Key Statistics

Hungary are experiencing a good run of form, remaining unbeaten in their last three matches with two wins and one draw. Their most recent game, played on 13 November, saw the Hungarians win 0–1 in Armenia thanks to a goal from Varga assisted by Szoboszlai.

Hungary arrive at this match as the second-placed team in Group F with 8 points, the result of 2 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeat, averaging 1.8 goals scored and 1.4 conceded per game. In their last three matches, the Magyars kept two clean sheets and conceded just once, showing strong defensive organisation.

By beating Armenia 2–0 on 11 October, Hungary reclaimed a home win that had been missing for nearly two years. In their last six home matches between World Cup Qualifiers and the UEFA Nations League, Rossi’s side have recorded 1 win, 3 draws and 2 defeats.

Republic of Ireland's Recent Form and Key Statistics

The Republic of Ireland arrive in Budapest full of confidence, coming off two consecutive wins without conceding. Their latest victory came against Portugal on 13 November: a 2–0 success thanks to a first-half brace by Troy Parrott, the AZ Alkmaar forward.

The Irish occupy third place in Group F with 7 points so far (2 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats), averaging 1.2 goals scored and 1 conceded per match. Their defensive solidity appears to be improving, having kept a clean sheet in both wins against Armenia and Portugal.

Hallgrimsson’s side come from two consecutive away defeats: 2–1 in Armenia and 1–0 in Portugal. More generally, they have lost four of their last six away matches between World Cup Qualifiers and the UEFA Nations League, with two wins completing the record.

Hungary vs Republic of Ireland Predictoin by BetMines

BetMines expect a balanced match, but with a slight advantage for the home side, also boosted by the home-field factor. The probability of a victory for Marco Rossi’s men is estimated at 54%, while both the draw and an Ireland win are rated at 23%.

Further strengthening confidence in the Magyars is their excellent recent tradition in World Cup Qualifiers: Hungary have lost only one of their latest matches in this competition, proving to be a solid and reliable team when it matters most.

In addition to the home win, BetMines also forecasts a high-scoring game, with Over 2.5 estimated at 55%. This prediction is supported by the numbers: three of Hungary’s five matches in Group F so far have ended with at least three total goals.

Considering that this clash is a direct battle for second place, an open game is to be expected, with both teams pushing for all three points. An early goal could open up the match even further, increasing the chances of a thrilling, high-scoring contest.

Probable lineups Hungary vs Republic of Ireland

HUNGARY (4-3-3): Dibusz; Nego, Orbán, Szalai, Kerkez; Schäfer, Styles, Szoboszlai; Bolla, Varga, Sallai. Manager: Rossi

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (5-3-2): Kelleher; Coleman, Collins, O’Shea, O’Brien, Scales; Azaz, Taylor, Cullen; Ogbene, Parrott. Manager: Hallgrimsson