Despite failing to win any of their first eight encounters, Republic of Ireland are unbeaten in six encounters with Hungary, winning three of them. The pair met in a friendly in Dublin as recently as June 2024, when Troy Parrott's 94th minute goal snatched a 2-1 victory for the hosts.
Republic of Ireland vs Hungary preview
Republic of Ireland haven't qualified for the World Cup since 2002. Hungary have not done so since 1986, despite featuring in nine of the first 13 editions, with both desperate to change these facts.
Hungary have featured at three successive European Championships, so are now determined to end their World Cup exile. However, Marco Rossi's side do not come into this campaign in great form, having won just three of their last 14 competitive fixtures. Earlier this year, the Magyars were relegated to Nations League B, winning only once in the group stages, before being battered by Türkiye in March's play-offs, smashed 3-1 in İstanbul and then 3-0 in Budapest three days later. So, will Hungary get back on track by starting this qualification campaign with a win on the Emerald Isle?
As for Republic of Ireland, it is a decade since their most recent major tournament appearance, and it would require a major upset for them to change that in North America next summer. Earlier this year, the Boys in Green avoided relegation to Nations League C, beating Bulgaria in a two-legged play-off, claiming 2-1 victories in both Plovdiv and then back at the Aviva Stadium.
However, these were rare victories for Heimir Hallgrímsson's side. Since November 2017, Ireland have won only 13 of 53 competitive internationals, beating only Bulgaria, Finland, Gibraltar, Armenia, Scotland, Luxembourg, Azerbaijan and Georgia during this period. If they're going to make it to the World Cup, they're going to have to beat somebody better than that, with Armenia and Portugal also in Group F. So, will it be a famous night in Dublin, or will Hungary be too strong for Ireland?
Republic of Ireland vs Hungary head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 13.
- Republic of Ireland Wins: 3. Draws: 6. Hungary Wins: 4.
Republic of Ireland team news
Heimir Hallgrímsson deployed a back three for June's friendly draw with Senegal, but has favoured a back four during his tenure. Here, he's without Séamus Coleman, Andrew Omobamidele, Robbie Brady, Will Smallbone and in form striker Troy Parrott, which is far from ideal.
So, Nathan Collins will be wearing the captain's armband, while Jason Knight is likely to get the nod in midfield. Adam Idah, who recently joined Swansea City from Celtic for £7 million, will partner Evan Ferguson in attack.
Republic of Ireland predicted lineup vs Hungary: (4-4-2): Kelleher; Doherty, Collins, O'Shea, Manning; Cullen, Knight, Azaz, Johnston; Idah, Ferguson.
Republic of Ireland player to watch vs Hungary
The aforementioned Evan Ferguson, who joined Roma earlier this summer, has five international goals to his name, four of which have been scored in Dublin, so could he be the hero here?
Hungary team news
Marco Rossi's side will be in a back three, although first choice goalkeeper Péter Gulácsi retired from international duty back in March, so Dénes Dibusz will be donning the gloves.
Meantime, Liverpool duo Miloš Kerkez and Dominik Szoboszlai will continue to be key figures, while English-born Callum Styles is also in contention to start.
Hungary predicted lineup vs Republic of Ireland: (3-4-2-1): Dibusz; Bolla Szalai, Orbán; Négo, Dárdai, Schäfer, Kerkez; Sallai, Szoboszlai; Varga.
Hungary player to watch vs Republic of Ireland
Dominik Szoboszlai is very much Hungary's talisman, bagging his 16th international goal against Azerbaijan in Bakı in June, so will he fire them to victory at the Aviva Stadium?
Republic of Ireland vs Hungary prediction
We are backing Hungary to win this one. Ireland find both wins and goals hard to come by against quality opposition, so an away win appears likely in Dublin: Republic of Ireland 0-2 Hungary.
Republic of Ireland vs Hungary FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Republic of Ireland vs Hungary in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Republic of Ireland vs Hungary 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 2 & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Republic of Ireland vs Hungary in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Republic of Ireland vs Hungary 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 Republic of Ireland vs Hungary in World Cup qualification?
Republic of Ireland vs Hungary takes place on Saturday 6 September 2025, with kick off at 19:45 (BST), 14:45 (EDT) & 11:45 (PDT).