Portugal vs Hungary Prediction World Cup Qualifiers 14.10.2025
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Portugal vs Hungary Prediction World Cup Qualifiers
Portugal vs Hungary Prediction and Betting Tips for Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup Qualifier at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon. Roberto Martinez’s side are just one win away from confirming their place in North America, while Hungary are desperate to keep their slim qualification hopes alive. Check out the latest insights and Soccer Stats before placing your bets.
- Portugal can qualify for the 2026 World Cup with a win over Hungary.
- Hungary have failed to win in their last 15 meetings against the Selecao.
- Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start despite missing a penalty against Ireland.
- Hungary’s attacking pair Sallai and Varga return from suspension.
Portugal enter this clash riding a wave of confidence after a narrow but crucial 1-0 win over the Republic of Ireland on Saturday. It wasn’t the smoothest of nights, Ronaldo missed from the spot, a rare sight, but Ruben Neves rescued the Selecao with a late header that kept their perfect record intact. The atmosphere inside Alvalade will be electric, as fans sense they’re on the brink of another World Cup ticket. Even with a few tactical rotations expected, the depth of this squad is scary good. Francisco Trincao might earn a start after his lively cameo, while Joao Palhinha could come in to add balance in midfield.
Martinez’s men have now gone six matches unbeaten, scoring freely and defending with calm assurance. Their recent form suggests a mature side that can control games and grind results when needed. Still, complacency is the one opponent they can’t afford to underestimate. Ronaldo, chasing yet another record, will be itching to make amends after that missed penalty. You can almost feel that something big is coming from him. And with Bruno Fernandes and Rafael Leao providing the creative spark, Portugal look every bit the complete unit.
On the other side, Marco Rossi’s Hungary are no pushovers. They showed resilience in a 2-0 victory over Armenia, with Daniel Lukacs and Zsombor Gruber on target. But this trip to Lisbon? A whole different test. Hungary’s record against Portugal doesn’t inspire much confidence, fifteen games without a win, yet Rossi’s men have found some rhythm lately, scoring twice in four consecutive matches. Dominik Szoboszlai, ever the heart of the team, will again be key in unlocking spaces against a disciplined Portuguese defense.
Still, there’s a sense that Hungary are punching above their weight here. Their defensive structure has cracks, and with Sallai and Varga only just returning from suspension, chemistry could take a while to click. Facing a hungry Portuguese side in front of a home crowd feels like climbing a mountain in slippers. Even so, football loves its surprises and if Hungary can frustrate the hosts early on, who knows? One thing’s certain: this game has the potential to deliver drama, goals, and a few heated moments. Expect cards, energy, and passion in abundance, the kind of night that reminds us why we love this sport and why Soccer Stats matter.
Portugal’s form speaks for itself. Six matches unbeaten, five wins in a row before that narrow victory over Ireland, and a perfect record in Group F. Roberto Martinez’s squad has evolved into a disciplined, relentless unit that knows how to win even when not at their best. Cristiano Ronaldo may have missed a penalty last time out, but his motivation remains sky-high, especially in front of a home crowd. Hungary, meanwhile, have failed to win in their last 15 meetings with Portugal, conceding in every one of them. Despite showing improvement recently, Marco Rossi’s men still lack the defensive structure to contain Portugal’s movement and pace in attack. The Selecao’s midfield trio of Vitinha, Fernandes, and Neves control games with ease, and their quality in the final third should ultimately decide the contest. Given the stakes, the quality gap, and home advantage, Portugal to win looks a smart bet.
This game has all the ingredients for a heated battle. Portugal’s matches often carry emotional weight, especially when qualification is on the line. Add Hungary’s physical style and tactical fouling, and you get a recipe for cards. In their previous encounter, there were four yellow cards and several contentious challenges. Hungary’s backline, led by Orban and Szalai, tends to defend aggressively, particularly against fast attackers like Leao and Trincao. Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes and Ruben Neves aren’t shy of putting in a tackle when chasing possession. The stakes are massive, Portugal can qualify, Hungary are fighting for survival and such pressure often leads to flashpoints. Referees in UEFA qualifiers have averaged nearly 4.0 cards per game, and given both teams’ recent records, Over 2.5 Cards looks solid. Expect intensity, fouls to break rhythm, and a few tempers flaring as both sides battle for control.
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