Fresh from a nail-biting victory over Ireland, Portugal can seal their place at the 2026 World Cup when they host Hungary at Estadio Jose Alvalade on Tuesday, 14 October, in a crucial Group F qualifier.
Keep close tabs on our World Cup predictions after viewing our key Portugal vs Hungary tips below.
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Portugal vs Hungary prediction: Ronaldo to lead Magyars' demolition
Key stats
- Portugal are on a six-match winning streak across two competitions.
- The Selecao have just three clean sheets in their last 14 matches.
- Hungary are winless in three of their last five encounters (D1, W1).
- Magyarok have conceded 11 goals in their last four defeats.
Correct score prediction: Portugal 3-1 Hungary
A dramatic stoppage-time winner from Ruben Neves rescued Portugal after Cristiano Ronaldo’s late penalty miss, sealing a narrow victory over Ireland that leaves Roberto Martínez’s side one win away from qualification to the 2026 World Cup.
Hungary, though second in Group F, face a daunting trip to Lisbon having failed to beat Portugal in their last 15 meetings. While Marco Rossi’s team ended a six-match competitive winless run by defeating Armenia, overcoming the Selecao in their own backyard appears a step too far.
We expect a commanding performance from the hosts, whose victory would not only confirm their World Cup place but also throw the race for second wide open.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Polar odds
- HOME: 2/9 (1.22) = 81.9%
- DRAW: 11/2 (6.50) = 15.3%
- AWAY: 12/1 (13.00) = 7.6%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Portugal are expected to find their form when they host Hungary, with bookies backing them with 2/9 (1.22) odds. This implies a 81.9% chance of success for the Selecao on home turf.
Hungary are clear underdogs in what will be their attempt at a first victory in 16 H2Hs. With 12/1 (13.00) odds, the Magyars have a poor 7.6% win probability rate in this clash.
Visit our football betting tips page for more free predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: Selecao all the way
Portugal clearly have the upper hand in their encounters against the Magyars, going unbeaten in 15 H2Hs and winning their last four meetings. Portugal are the only side Hungary have faced more than six times without ever winning.
Euro 2021 15/06/21
Hungary
Portugal
Europe - World Cup Qualifying 03/09/17
Hungary
Portugal
Europe - World Cup Qualifying 25/03/17
Portugal
Hungary
Euro 2016 22/06/16
Hungary
Portugal
Portugal preview: Two players missing
Joao Cancelo and Joao Neves are both confirmed absentees for Portugal. Martinez has no fresh injury or suspension worries.
Predicted lineup: Costa (GK), Dalot, Dias, Veiga, Mendes, Neves, Vitinha, Trincao, Fernandes, Leao & Ronaldo
Last five matches:
- Portugal 1-0 Ireland (World Cup Qualifiers)
- Hungary 2-3 Portugal (World Cup Qualifiers)
- Armenia 0-5 Portugal (World Cup Qualifiers)
- Portugal 2-2 Spain (5-3 on penalties) (UEFA Nations League)
- Germany 1-2 Portugal (UEFA Nations League)
Hungary preview: Can they upset the odds?
The visitors will be elated with the return of Barnabas Vargas and Roland Sallai.
Predicted lineup: Toth (GK), Nego, Orban, Szalai, Kerkez, Bolla, Styles, Schafer, Szoboszlai, Sallai & Varga
Last five matches:
- Hungary 2-0 Armenia (World Cup Qualifiers)
- Hungary 2-3 Portugal (World Cup Qualifiers)
- Ireland 2-2 Hungary (World Cup Qualifiers)
- Azerbaijan 1-2 Hungary (International Friendly)
- Hungary 0-2 Sweden (International Friendly)
Player to watch: Cristiano Ronaldo
Despite the narrow win over Ireland, Ronaldo was left frustrated as Caoimhin Kelleher superbly saved his penalty attempt late in the game. The Portuguese icon will be itching to get back on the scoresheet once again and add to his ever-growing tally of goals. He has seven strikes in his last five H2Hs against Hungary.