Ireland will face Hungary this weekend as both teams begin their qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Although this is only the first match of the group stages, it is a potentially huge match as both nations are expected to go head-to-head for second place in Group F and a place in the World Cup playoffs.
Elsewhere in Group F, Portugal will take on Armenia in a match between the highest and lowest-ranked teams in the group.
As part of this week's round of World Cup qualifying betting tips, check out our Ireland vs Hungary prediction below.
Contents
Ireland vs Hungary prediction: The hosts to avoid defeat
Key Stats
- Hungary have won just one of their last six matches in all competitions.
- Across their last three home matches, Ireland have won two and drawn one.
- Fewer than three goals have been scored in four of Ireland's last five home matches.
Correct score prediction: Ireland 1-1 Hungary
The idea of Ireland winning this match is far from out of the question, but I'm leaning slightly towards the draw, just because it's difficult to imagine the hosts keeping some of the Hungarian talent at bay for 90 minutes. Ireland do have a great chance here, though, and there is plenty of value backing a home win.
Pre-game odds and win probability: A tight match to call
- HOME: 8/5 (2.60) – 38.5%
- DRAW: 11/5 (3.20) – 31.3%
- AWAY: 7/4 (2.75) – 36.4%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Ireland vs Hungary odds tell you all you need to know about how close this match is predicted to be. The bookies have priced all three results close to each other, but Ireland are longer than expected. Ladbrokes have given Ireland a 38.5% chance of winning the match, while Hungary have been given a 36.4% chance of victory.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Advantage Ireland
Ireland have a good recent record against Hungary, and are unbeaten in their last five matches against them in a run that stretches back to 1989. The two most recent matches, played in 2021 and 2024, resulted in a 0-0 draw in Hungary and a 2-1 victory for Ireland in Dublin.
International Match 04/06/24
Rep of Ireland
Hungary
International Match 08/06/21
Hungary
Rep of Ireland
Ireland preview: Key man withdraws
Ireland's hopes took a serious blow this week when Troy Parrott was forced to withdraw from the squad due to injury. Parrott has scored ten goals already this season for AZ Alkmaar, but fortunately for Ireland, they have two other capable strikers, Adam Idah and Evan Ferguson, in the squad.
Predicted lineup: Kelleher (GK), Doherty, Collins, O'Shea, Manning, Cullen, Johnston, Knight, Azaz, Idah, Ferguson
Last five matches
- Luxembourg 0-0 Ireland
- Ireland 1-1 Senegal
- Ireland 2-1 Bulgaria
- Bulgaria 1-2 Ireland
- England 5-0 Ireland
Hungary preview: Liverpool duo will be key
Hungary's chances of winning on Saturday will likely hinge on how well Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez play on the night. Both men had brilliant games against Arsenal just before the international break, with the former scoring an incredible free-kick, so they should be full of confidence ahead of kick-off.
Predicted lineup: Dibusz (GK), Nego, Orban, Szalai, Kerkez, Toth, Schafer, Szoboszlai, Lukacs, Varga, Sallai
Last five matches
- Azerbaijan 1-2 Hungary
- Hungary 0-2 Sweden
- Hungary 0-3 Turkey
- Turkey 3-1 Hungary
- Hungary 1-1 Germany
Player to watch: Evan Ferguson
Evan Ferguson will be seen as Ireland's most likely route to a goal on Saturday, especially with Troy Parrott out injured. The 20-year-old is yet to score for Roma since making the move on loan from Brighton but there is still bags of potential there and it's far too early to start writing him off.