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Hungary will take on Finland in an international friendly on Friday, 5 June, with both teams looking ahead to the UEFA Nations League in September.
Both nations missed out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is particularly disappointing for Hungary, who have a squad of players capable of competing at major tournaments such as Liverpool duo Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez.
Read our Hungary vs Finland prediction, preview and betting tips below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Hungary vs Finland key stats
- Hungary have lost just one of their last six matches in all competitions.
- Finland are ranked 31 places below Hungary in the FIFA World Rankings.
- Fewer than three goals have been scored in three of Hungary's last four international friendlies.
Hungary vs Finland preview: The beginning of a new cycle for both sides
| Hungary | vs | Finland |
|---|---|---|
| 42nd | FIFA Ranking | 73rd |
| Roland Sallai (66) | Most Caps | Lukas Hradecky (104) |
| Dominik Szoboszlai (17) | Most Goals | Joel Pohjanpalo (19) |
| 479 | Total Caps | 562 |
| 62 | Total Goals | 51 |
| 7 | Uncapped Players | 2 |
With the 2026 World Cup a non-factor for both of these nations, this match marks the beginning of the long road to the 2030 World Cup in Morocco, Portugal and Spain.
Although there will be two Nations League campaigns and one European Championship between now and the next World Cup, being at the next World Cup is the main aim for Hungary, who have not played in football's ultimate tournament since 1986.
Their qualifying campaign this time around saw them lose out on a spot in the playoffs in the dying moments of their final qualification match against the Republic of Ireland. Had Troy Parrott not scored in the 96th minute, Marco Rossi's side would have had two winnable matches against the Czech Republic and Denmark to qualify.
Rossi himself has admitted that World Cup qualification is his ‘dream' and last year, he renewed his contract until 2030, meaning he will get at least one more crack at it. For the time being, he need instil some confidence back into his squad of players, and some fresh blood may be required.
It is therefore no surprise that he has selected seven uncapped players – including Liverpool goalkeeper Armin Pecsi and AZ Alkmaar striker Bendeguz Kovacs – for the clash with Finland and for their match with Kazakhstan next week.
As for Finland, missing out on the World Cup was expected, as they have never played in the finals of the tournament before.
Now ranked 73rd in the world, they perhaps lack the star power for tournament football, although their experiences at the European Championships in 2021 demonstrated that they can be competitive if they do make it.
Although direct qualifying for that tournament won't begin until next year, Jacob Friis will want his side to find some form before the Nations League kicks off in September, as that competition provides an alternative route to the tournament.
His squad has a more familiar look to it, with the experienced Joel Pohjanpalo set for his 89th cap on Friday.
Hungary vs Finland form guide & betting tips
| Hungary | vs | Finland |
|---|---|---|
D
W
L
W
D
|
Form |
L
W
W
L
L
|
| 6 | Goals For | 7 |
| 5 | Goals Against | 6 |
W
L
W
W
D
|
International Friendly form |
L
D
L
W
L
|
Whispers Predicts: Hungary 1-0 Finland
Hungary have won three of their last four matches against Finland. Hungary to win has been best priced at 8/15.
Fewer than three goals have been scored in three of Finland's last five matches. Under 2.5 goals has been priced at 4/5.
Dominik Szoboszlai has scored 17 goals for his country so far. Szoboszlai to score anytime has been priced at 5/2.
> Hungary to win at 8/15 (1.53) | Likelihood: Probable
> Under 2.5 goals at 4/5 (1.80) | Likelihood: Probable
> Szoboszlai to score anytime at 5/2 (3.50) | Likelihood: Possible