Hungary have never beaten Portugal in 14 attempts, their first meeting coming 99 years ago, losing ten of them.
In fact, aside from a 3-3 draw between the duo in Lyon during Euro 2016, Portugal have won their other seven clashes since 1983, including a 3-1 victory at Puskás Aréna during Euro 2020.
Hungary vs Portugal preview
After making the ideal start to World Cup qualifying at the weekend, will Portugal make it two wins out of two? On Saturday, Portugal swatted aside Armenia 5-0 in Yerevan, all their goals scored by Saudi Pro League-based players; João Cancelo on target, while both João Félix and Cristiano Ronaldo, who else, bagged braces. The Seleção das Quinas have qualified for all 13 major tournaments this century, France '98 the last one they missed, very much expected to continue this streak.
Assuming they get there, Roberto Martínez's team will be among the favourites to win the World Cup for the very first time, having lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy for the second time in June. During the summer, Portugal fought back from a goal down to defeat hosts Germany 2-1 in the semis, before twice equalising against Spain in the final, prevailing on penalties in Munich. Amazingly, Portugal have not reached a World Cup semi-final since 1966, but you would not back against them changing that fact in the United States. Before then, they do need rubber stamp qualification of course, and a victory in Budapest on Tuesday would represent a gigantic step towards this.
Hungary meantime have not featured at the World Cup for four decades, despite featuring at nine of 12 editions between 1934 and 1986. More recently, the Magyars have qualified for three successive Euros, so are now determined to end their World Cup exile. On Saturday, Marco Rossi's side appeared set to make the dream start to qualification, Barnabás Varga breaking the deadlock in Dublin inside two minutes, before Roland Sallai doubled their advantage soon after. However, Republic of Ireland fought back after the break, aided by Sallai's sending off, equalising in stoppage time as it ended 2-2.
This collapse will increase the pressure on Rossi, who has been manager since 2018, just that little bit more, considering Hungary were demolished 6-1 on aggregate by Türkiye in March, thereby relegated to Nations League B. Hungary will still fancy their chances of finishing above Ireland and Armenia, thereby securing their spot in next year's play-offs, but, if they harbour any hopes of automatic qualification, this eagerly-anticipated clash at the Puskás Aréna is surely must win.
Hungary vs Portugal head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 14.
- Hungary Wins: Zero. Draws: 4. Portugal Wins: 10.
Hungary team news
Roland Sallai's red card in Dublin means he is suspended, which is certainly a blow, considering he has featured in 30 of their 40 competitive internationals since the start of 2021.
Elsewhere, Dénes Dibusz is the first-choice goalkeepr these days, following the retirement of Péter Gulácsi in March. András Schäfer could come into midfield, after Callum Styles and Alex Tóth started against Ireland, while Barnabás Varga will continue in the target man centre-forward role.
Hungary predicted lineup vs Portugal: (4-2-3-1): Dibusz; Nego, Orbán, Szalai, Kerkez; Ötvös, Tóth, Schäfer, Bolla, Szoboszlai; Varga.
Hungary player to watch vs Portugal
Dominik Szoboszlai is unquestionably Hungary's talisman, scoring 16 international goals to date, ten of which have been scored at the Puskás Aréna, so can he bag a memorable one here?
Portugal team news
Roberto Martínez deployed an ultra-attacking 4-3-3 in Yerevan, so will he be quite so bold in, what will surely be, an exponentially tougher game?
PSG duo João Neves and Vitinha started at the base of midfield against Armenia, set to do so again, meaning João Palhinha and Rúben Neves will once again be on the bench. João Félix's double will see him get the nod in attack, chosen over Francisco Conceição and Bernardo Silva.
Portugal predicted lineup vs Hungary: (4-3-3): Costa; Cancelo, Inácio, Rúben Dias, Mendes; João Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes; Neto, João Félix, Ronaldo.
Portugal player to watch vs Hungary
Of Cristiano Ronaldo's 140 international goals, six have come against Hungary, bagging a trio of braces, so will he add to his ever growing tally at the Puskás Aréna?
Hungary vs Portugal prediction
It won't be easy, as Hungary are tough opponents, especially in Budapest, but we are backing Portugal for victory, their attacking quality likely to be simply too much: Hungary 1-2 Portugal.
Hungary vs Portugal FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Hungary vs Portugal in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Hungary vs Portugal in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video PPV - £2.49.
- USA: Fox Sports & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Hungary vs Portugal in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Hungary vs Portugal in World Cup qualification will be available on the following streaming services;
- 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 Portugal in World Cup qualification?
Hungary vs Portugal takes place on Tuesday 9 September 2025, with kick off at 19:45 (BST), 14:45 (EDT) & 11:45 (PDT).