Ireland vs Hungary Prediction 06.09.2025
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Ireland vs Hungary Prediction
Ireland vs Hungary Prediction and Betting Tips for Saturday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Both teams enter Group F looking for momentum, with Portugal and Armenia also in the mix. In this article, you’ll discover World Cup Predictions from XpertStats tipsters.
- Ireland host Hungary at the Aviva Stadium in their 2026 World Cup qualifier opener
- Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side are unbeaten in six games against Hungary
- Hungary enter with just three wins from their last 14 internationals
- Adam Idah and Evan Ferguson could lead Ireland’s attack in Parrott’s absence
For Ireland, this feels like a turning point. Heimir Hallgrimsson has been trying to bring back the spirit of the early 2000s, when the Boys in Green last reached the finals. Recent results suggest progress: a gritty draw with Senegal, a goalless stalemate with Luxembourg, and a playoff triumph over Bulgaria that avoided Nations League relegation. They’ve also stayed unbeaten in their last three at the Aviva, which should boost confidence. Can they keep the run alive? That’s the real question.
But there’s a bump. Troy Parrott, their sharpest striker this season with 10 goals in 7 games for AZ Alkmaar, is sidelined. That shifts responsibility to Adam Idah and teenage talent Evan Ferguson. The return of Gavin Bazunu in goal is a huge lift, though, and Chiedozie Ogbene adds much-needed pace out wide. Hallgrimsson has even sprinkled in youth with Bosun Lawal and Johnny Kenny joining the squad, although they’ll likely watch from the bench.
Hungary, meanwhile, arrive in Dublin with baggage. Marco Rossi’s men have managed only three wins in their last 14 matches, and Euro 2024 was a washout. They were also thumped by Turkey in Nations League playoffs. The 2-1 victory over Azerbaijan in June was a relief, but it’s hard to see it as a turning point yet. Rossi is under pressure, and the ghosts of missed tournaments are still heavy. Can he really turn things around with this group?
Of course, Hungary aren’t short on quality. Dominik Szoboszlai is their talisman, accounting for nearly 30% of all goals in Rossi’s squad, and he’s fresh off a stunning free-kick winner for Liverpool. Add Ferencvaros striker Barnabas Varga’s hot scoring streak, and there’s always a threat. But history leans green: Hungary haven’t beaten Ireland since 1969. On paper, the gap in FIFA rankings (38th vs 60th) suggests an edge for the visitors. In practice, Ireland’s resilience and home form could tilt the balance. That’s why many fans and punters will be eyeing the Boys in Green in their own backyard when making their World Cup Predictions.
Backing Ireland on a double chance (1X) makes sense when you weigh the form and the history. Ireland are unbeaten in their last six meetings with Hungary, a streak that stretches back to 1969. At the Aviva, they’ve built quiet momentum, avoiding defeat in their last three and winning the two most recent clashes with Hungary. Even without Troy Parrott, Adam Idah and Evan Ferguson can trouble Hungary’s backline. On the other hand, Hungary’s away form is shaky: just two wins from their last eight on the road. Marco Rossi’s men may have star quality in Dominik Szoboszlai, but they’ve lacked cohesion, suffering seven losses in 14 outings. Ireland’s defensive structure under Hallgrimsson looks tighter with Bazunu back between the posts, and the crowd in Dublin will only add fuel. Considering all angles, the 1X bet looks the safer call home advantage and resilience are likely to shine.
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