Overview
Hungary will enter this match after a 1-0 victory over Ukraine, bringing their total points to 8 after 5 matches (2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss).
This team will qualify for the 2026 World Cup as group winners if they beat the Republic of Ireland and lose to Armenia to Portugal. Or if Hungary wins by 4 goals or more while Portugal draw.
Coach Marco Rossi and his team will be in second place if they avoid defeat against the Republic of Ireland and Portugal to win. There are many scenarios, but the home team's only goal is to win all 3 points.
Hungary has reached the World Cup finals twice, in 1938 and 1954. However, they have not reached the final round since 1986, so this opportunity is especially important.
In the past, Hungary has faced the Republic of Ireland 14 times, with a fairly balanced record - 4 wins, 7 draws and 3 losses.
Troy Parrott scored a double in the 2-0 win over Portugal, a shocking result that helped the Republic of Ireland nurture their hopes of competing for first or second place in the group.
"Boys in Green" have not reached the World Cup finals since 2002. Their hopes of participating in the tournament next summer seem to have disappeared after 2 consecutive losses to Armenia and Portugal in the early stages of the qualifying round.
However, Heimir Hallgrimsson's side have made a strong comeback, winning two important victories over Armenia and Portugal to rise to third place with seven points from five games. They are currently only one point behind Hungary and three points behind Portugal before the final match.
The Republic of Ireland still has a chance to top the group and win a direct ticket if they win and at the same time Portugal lose. At that time, the two teams will compete on the goal difference, total goals scored and head-to-head record - factors that are supporting "Boys in Green" after the recent valuable victory.
In case Portugal do not lose, Hallgrimsson's team will take second place and advance to the play-off round if they defeat Hungary. This promises to be a dramatic end for this group.
Personnel situation
Hungary have not recorded any injuries since the win over Armenia, and it would not be surprising if Marco Rossi kept his starting lineup.
Barnabas Varga, who scored against Ukraine to increase the total number of goals for the team to 12, is almost certain to continue leading the attack.
In midfield, Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai will play a leading role, while West Bromwich Albion's Callum Styles is also a notable face in the home team.
On the Republic of Ireland's side, Heimir Hallgrimsson had reason to maintain an impressive defensive framework in the victory over Portugal. The visitors continue to have high expectations for Troy Parrott, who is in brilliant form at AZ with 13 goals in 14 matches in all competitions.
Adam Idah could be an option for Parrott's attack, but Chiedozie Ogbene is expected to start, while Finn Azaz will keep his place in midfield.
Expected lineup:
Hungary: Dibusz, Nego, Orban, Szalai, Kerkez, Schafer, Styles, Szoboszlai, Bolla, Varga, Sallai.
Ireland: Kelleher, Coleman, Collins, O'Shea, O'Brien, Scales, Azaz, Taylor, Cullen, Ogbene, Parrott.
The match between Hungary and Ireland takes place at 9:00 p.m. on November 16 (Vietnam time).
