Hungary vs Ireland World Cup Qualifier: Prediction, Odds & Match Preview – November 16, 2025
With Group F hanging in the balance, Hungary take on the Republic of Ireland on Sunday afternoon (local time) in Budapest for one of the most decisive matches of the UEFA World Cup qualification schedule. Just one point separates the two sides, both of whom remain in contention for a top-two finish – and, incredibly, even the automatic qualifying spot – depending on Portugal’s result.
Head-to-Head Record (H2H: Hungary vs Ireland)
The Boys in Green have enjoyed the better of recent meetings, entering this clash unbeaten in the last seven H2Hs (W3, D4). That run includes September’s dramatic 2-2 draw, where Hungary surrendered a two-goal lead. Historically, however, the matchup has been tightly contested, with Hungary holding four wins, seven draws and three defeats from 14 previous encounters.
Hungary will be looking for their first victory over Ireland since 1969, when they won twice (2-1 in Ireland and 4-0 at home) against the Boys in Green in what turned out to be an unsuccessful World Cup qualifying campaign for both teams (Hungary finished second in the group, level on points with Czechoslovakia).
Hungary: Current Form and Team News
Hungary return to Budapest with their qualification hopes very much alive. Marco Rossi’s side claimed a vital 1-0 victory over Armenia on Thursday, moving to eight points from five matches and strengthening their hold on second place in Group F. In fact, last month’s 2-0 home win over Armenia also ended a troubling six-match winless run at home (0-3-3), giving the Magyars renewed confidence at a crucial moment.
Victory on Sunday could, in theory, even send Hungary to the top of the group. For that to happen, they would need Portugal to drop points – or, in a far more unlikely scenario, for Hungary to beat Ireland by four or more goals and rely on Portugal drawing with Armenia. For now, Rossi will focus solely on securing three points and letting the rest unfold.
A defining feature of Hungary’s qualification campaign has been their ability to strike early. They have opened the scoring in all five of their World Cup qualifying matches so far, consistently imposing their tempo and dictating matches from the outset.
Barnabas Varga continues to deliver when it matters most. The forward scored the decisive goal against Armenia – his sixth in his last seven appearances for club and country – and remarkably, five of those goals have been the opener. Rossi’s system is designed to supply him early, and Varga’s movement inside the box will again be central to Hungary’s attacking blueprint.
Behind the attacking trident, captain Dominik Szoboszlai remains the team’s creative engine. The Liverpool midfielder orchestrates transitions, dictates tempo, and provides elite set-piece delivery – an asset that could prove decisive in a tightly contested qualifier.
Hungary have no fresh injury concerns following Thursday’s trip to Armenia, and the cohesion shown in that match suggests Rossi is likely to stick with the same starting XI. Expect a familiar backbone featuring Attila Szalai, Willi Orban, Milos Kerkez, and England-born Callum Styles, while Szoboszlai and Varga are guaranteed starters in their respective roles.
Republic of Ireland: Current Form and Team News
The Republic of Ireland revived their qualification campaign in spectacular fashion on Thursday, stunning Portugal 2-0 thanks to Troy Parrott’s brace. That glorious result at the Aviva Stadium kept their hopes alive, lifting them to third place with seven points, just one behind Hungary and three behind the group leaders.
Yet Heimir Hallgrímsson is clear: “It’s only half-time.” Ireland still need three points to guarantee a play-off place, while an unlikely slip from Portugal could even open a path to automatic qualification – though that scenario requires an Armenia upset.
Despite Thursday’s heroics, the Boys in Green face an uphill task in Budapest. They’ve failed to win their last three away matches, scoring only once (0-1-2). Their matches tend to be tight, with eight of their last nine games decided by a one-goal margin or fewer.
Troy Parrott has been in superb form for both club and country, scoring 13 goals in 14 matches across all competitions for Dutch side AZ Alkmaar this season before his double against Portugal. Alternatively, Adam Idah, who scored the last-gasp equalizer in September’s reverse fixture, remains a physical and mobile option, though he has yet to win a match in which he has scored this season.
Ireland also reported no fresh injury issues. Parrott should spearhead the attack with Chiedozie Ogbene, while midfielder Finn Azaz – who was excellent against Portugal – should keep his starting role.
Possible Starting Lineups of Hungary and Ireland
Hungary: Denes Dibusz – Loic Nego, Willi Orban, Attila Szalai, Milos Kerkez – Andras Schafer, Callum Styles, Dominik Szoboszlai – Bendegúz Bolla, Barnabas Varga, Roland Sallai. (4-3-3)
Republic of Ireland: Caoimhín Kelleher – Nathan Collins, Dara O’Shea, Jake O’Brien – Seamus Coleman, Mark Taylor, Josh Cullen, Liam Scales – Chiedozie Ogbene, Finn Azaz – Troy Parrott. (3-4-2-1)
Hungary vs Ireland Betting Odds and Prediction
Hungary enter Sunday’s decisive World Cup qualifier as clear favourites, priced at -133 with EveryGame, while a draw sits at +225 and a Republic of Ireland victory is valued at +300.
With Ireland needing all three points to keep their qualification hopes alive, they will eventually have to take risks, push bodies forward, and open up the game – something that could play directly into Hungary’s hands. Despite a recent winless run, Marco Rossi’s men are far more reliable at home, possess greater attacking balance, and have shown a consistent ability to strike first in this qualifying cycle.
Ireland’s recent away form, combined with Hungary’s experience and more comprehensive quality, further tilts the matchup in favour of the Magyars. For those reasons, Hungary to win remains our preferred pick at -133, as the Magyars look well positioned to secure at least a playoff berth (and potentially more if Portugal fails against Armenia, which to be honest looks extremely unbelievable) on a tense night in Budapest.