Hungary have never beaten Portugal in 15 attempts, losing 11 of them, with Portugal winning all four encounters since Euro 2016.
Portugal vs Hungary preview
Portugal have qualified for every major tournament since France '98, and another victory here would leave them on the cusp of a seventh successive World Cup appearance. So far, Roberto Martínez's team have won all three matches in Group F, first hammering Armenia 5-0 in Yerevan last month. Three nights later, they were certainly made to work for victory in Budapest. Bernardo Silva and Cristiano Ronaldo were on target, but Barnabás Varga's late equaliser had seemingly pinched a point for Hungary at the Puskás Aréna, only for João Cancelo's last-gasp strike to snatch a 3-2 victory.
Then, on Saturday night, most expected the Seleção das Quinas to swat aside bottom of the group Republic of Ireland in Lisbon, but that is not how it transpired. Ronaldo saw a late penalty saved, as Portugal appeared set to be held to an agonising goalless draw, until Rúben Neves' stoppage time strike snatched victory at the death. Martínez's team have now lost just one of their last 15 matches, and are sitting pretty at the top of Group F. Thus, victory at Estádio José Alvalade on Tuesday will see Portugal mathematically secure their World Cup spot, unless Armenia win in Dublin simultaneously.
Hungary meantime were expected to be Portugal's primary challengers for top spot, but have endured a mixed campaign to date. Last month, Marco Rossi's side relinquished a 2-0 lead in Dublin, ultimately held to a 2-2 draw, before that aforementioned enthralling 3-2 reverse when Portugal visited Budapest. The Magyars did belatedly get their campaign up and running at the weekend, beating Armenia 2-0 at the Puskás Aréna, thanks to second half goals from Dániel Lukács and then Zsombor Gruber, both scoring for their country for the very first time.
To date, Hungary have appeared at nine World Cups, only nine UEFA members have featured at more, beaten finalists in 1938 and 1954. However, they have not qualified for any edition since Mexico '86 but, having featured at each of the last three European Championships, are determined to end this exile. Next month's clash with Armenia and Ireland will be key as they aim to wrap up a play-off spot, while anything Hungary claim at Estádio José Alvalade will be viewed as a bonus.
Portugal vs Hungary head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 15.
- Portugal Wins: 11. Draws: 4. Hungary Wins: Zero.
Portugal team news
Roberto Martínez is without João Cancelo, the match-winner in Budapest, as well as João Neves.
So, Diogo Dalot deputised at right-back at the weekend, likely to do so here too, with Saturday's scorer Rúben Neves starting in place of his namesake at the base of midfield.
In attack, Bernardo Silva got the nod to complete the attack against Republic of Ireland, chosen over João Félix, who bagged a brace in Yerevan, as well as Francisco Conceição and Rafael Leão.
Portugal predicted lineup vs Hungary: (4-3-3): Costa; Dalot, Inácio, Rúben Dias, Mendes; Rúben Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes; Neto, Silva, Ronaldo.
Portugal player to watch vs Hungary
40 year old Cristiano Ronaldo is still going strong. Of his 141 international goals, seven have come against Hungary, only netting against Luxembourg with a greater frequency, so will he add to his tally?
Hungary team news
Roland Sallai can return, having missed the last two qualifiers due to suspension.
In goal, Balázs Tóth of Blackburn Rovers made his debut as recently as June, but will now start a third successive qualifier, with Dénes Dibusz sidelined and Péter Gulácsi having retired. Dániel Lukács' goal at the weekend could see him lead the line again, chosen over Barnabás Varga.
Hungary predicted lineup vs Portugal: (4-3-3): Tóth; Nego, Orbán, Szalai, Kerkez; Styles, Schäfer, Bolla, Szoboszlai, Alex Tóth; Lukács.
Hungary player to watch vs Portugal
Dominik Szoboszlai is very much Hungary's talisman, scoring 16 times for his country to date, so can the Liverpool man bag his first international goal since June?
Portugal vs Hungary prediction
As the reverse fixture was last month, this clash in Budapest is likely to be entertaining, but we're backing Portugal to continue their perfect start in World Cup qualifying: Portugal 3-1 Hungary.
Portugal vs Hungary FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Portugal vs Hungary in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Portugal vs Hungary 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 Portugal vs Hungary in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Portugal vs Hungary 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 Portugal vs Hungary in World Cup qualification?
Portugal vs Hungary takes place on Tuesday 14 October 2025, with kick off at 19:45 (BST), 14:45 (EDT) & 11:45 (PDT).