Republic of Ireland are actually unbeaten in seven meetings with Hungary, dating back to 1969.
However, they've only ever won one of seven clashes on Hungarian soil, five producing draws, that solitary victory coming in a friendly in 1991 when David Kelly and Kevin Sheedy were the scorers in Győr.
Hungary vs Republic of Ireland preview
Against all odds, going into the final matchday, Republic of Ireland's hopes of World Cup qualification are still alive, so can they claim a famous victory in Budapest? On Thursday night, the Aviva Stadium witnessed one of its most famous nights, with the Boys in Green beating Portugal 2-0 in a huge upset. Troy Parrott's first half brace had Dublin dancing, but the biggest cheer of the night was reserved for Cristiano Ronaldo's red card, following VAR review, which quelled Portugal's hopes of a comeback.
As a result, Ireland still have a chance to be in North America. Three matches into this campaign, they had just one point on the board. Adam Idah's towering stoppage time header snatched a draw when Hungary visited the Emerald Isle, but this was followed by defeats in Yerevan and Lisbon, the former described by many are Ireland's most-embarrassing defeat of all-time. At this point, the pressure was really on Heimir Hallgrímsson, but they've since beaten both Armenia and now Portugal at Lansdowne Road, very much getting the public onside. Now though, Ireland must win at the Puskás Aréna to pip their hosts to a place in the play-offs, so can they cause a massive shock again?
As for Hungary, by the close of play on Sunday, they could qualify for the World Cup, book their place in the play-offs or be eliminated altogether. So far, Marco Rossi's side have actually only been able to beat Armenia, most recently leaving Yerevan 1-0 winners on Thursday, with Barnabás Varga the only scorer. This took the Magyars' points tally up to eight, having held Portugal to a 2-2 draw last month, thanks to Dominik Szoboszlai's injury time equaliser at Estádio José Alvalade.
Hungary have appeared at nine World Cups, only nine European nations can boast more, but the most recent of these came at Mexico '86. However, having featured at each of the last three Euros, they very much feels as though now is their time. For Hungary to qualify automatically, they must win here and hope Portugal do not beat Armenia at Estádio do Dragão simultaneously; unlikely.
More realistically, Rossi's side need to ensure they are in March's play-offs, requiring just a point to do so, but victory for Republic of Ireland would see them leapfrog the home side into second place. Thus, this is a huge game for both at Puskás Aréna, but who will be celebrating come full time?
Hungary vs Republic of Ireland head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 15.
- Hungary Wins: 5. Draws: 7. Republic of Ireland Wins: 3.
Hungary team news
Blackburn goalkeeper Balázs Tóth had started each of the last three qualifiers prior to picking up an injury so, as he did in Yerevan, the experienced Dénes Dibusz will be donning the gloves.
Out-field, Marco Rossi has settled on a back four during this campaign, featuring West Brom's Callum Styles at the base of midfield, while Barnabás Varga's goal on Thursday will see him lead the line.
Hungary predicted lineup vs Republic of Ireland: (4-3-3): Dibusz; Nego, Orbán, Szalai, Kerkez; Styles, Schäfer, Szoboszlai; Bolla, Sallai, Varga.
Hungary player to watch vs Republic of Ireland
Dominik Szoboszlai remains Hungary's talisman. Of his 17 international goals, ten have been scored at the Puskás Aréna, so will he add a crucial one here?
Republic of Ireland team news
Heimir Hallgrímsson can welcome back Ryan Manning and Jayson Molumby, after both sat out the win over Portugal suspended, but Matt Doherty, Jason Knight, Will Smallbone, Sammie Szmodics and Evan Ferguson will miss out due to injury.
Troy Parrott's double on Thursday will see him once again lead the line, chosen over Adam Idah, with Chiedozie Ogbene in support. Séamus Coleman will captain the side, earning his 77th cap, still a key figure in this team at the age of 37.
Republic of Ireland predicted lineup vs Hungary: (3-4-2-1): Kelleher; O'Brien, Collins, O'Shea; Coleman, Cullen, Molumby, Manning; Ogbene, Azaz, Parrott.
Republic of Ireland player to watch vs Hungary
Caoimhín Kelleher has been Ireland's outstanding performer throughout this campaign, saving a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty in Lisbon, and he'll need to be at his best if they're to get the win they need in Budapest.
Hungary vs Republic of Ireland prediction
While all Irish supporters now believe a result is possible in Budapest, we're backing Hungary for victory at the Puskás Aréna, thereby crushing Ireland's dreams: Hungary 2-0 Republic of Ireland.
Hungary vs Republic of Ireland FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Hungary vs Republic of Ireland in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Hungary vs Republic of Ireland in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- Ireland: RTÉ 2
- UK: Amazon Prime Video PPV - £2.49.
- USA: Fox Sports 1 & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Hungary vs Republic of Ireland in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Hungary vs Republic of Ireland in World Cup qualification will be available on the following streaming services;
- Ireland: RTÉ Player
- UK: Amazon Prime Video PPV - £2.49.
- USA: Foxsports.com & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Hungary vs Republic of Ireland in World Cup qualification?
Hungary vs Republic of Ireland takes place on Sunday 16 November 2025, with kick off at 14:00 (GMT), 9:00 (ET) & 6:00 (PT).