Match Overview and Preview

The highly anticipated seventh-round qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will see Hungary face Armenia on October 11th at the historic Puskás Arena in Budapest. This detailed preview covers the match prediction, potential bets, key odds, and vital statistics for the Hungary vs. Armenia clash.

Hungary’s Qualification Journey

Hungary’s initial two qualification matches for the World Cup campaign have been rather challenging. In September, the Hungarians failed to secure a win, collecting only 1 point out of a possible 6. Notably, in their opening away fixture against Ireland, the national team established a commanding 2-0 lead by the 15th minute but ultimately couldn’t maintain their advantage, conceding a late goal that cost them two crucial points. Following this, Marco Rossi’s squad put up a strong fight against group favorites Portugal, but the encounter ended in a 2-3 defeat. This result brought an end to Hungary’s four-match unbeaten streak in World Cup qualifiers, which included two wins and two draws. Currently, the team occupies the 3rd position in their group standings. 

Hungary Key Statistics

• The national team has found the net in their last 5 World Cup qualifying matches.
• At least two goals have been scored in 5 of Hungary’s last 6 home games in this competition.
• The team has conceded in 9 of their previous 10 World Cup qualifying fixtures.

Hungary’s Predicted Lineup

Hungary’s Predicted Lineup (4-5-1): Balázs Tóth – Loïc Nego, Willi Orbán, Attila Szalai, Milos Kerkez – Bendegúz Bolla, Álex Tóth, Dominik Szoboszlai, Callum Styles, Zsolt Nagy – Barna Tóth. Key defender Roland Sallai and forward Barnabás Varga are currently serving suspensions.

Armenia’s Qualification Form

Armenia’s current qualifying campaign began with a significant home defeat against Portugal, suffering a 0-5 thrashing. This extended the Armenians’ losing streak in World Cup qualifiers to four consecutive matches, and their winless run in the tournament reached eight games (comprising 3 draws and 5 losses). However, the national team subsequently bounced back, securing a much-needed victory against Ireland with a 2-1 scoreline. This crucial win significantly improved their standing, propelling them from 4th to 2nd place in the group table. 

Armenia Key Statistics

• Armenia has conceded at least one goal in their last 8 World Cup qualifying fixtures.
• The team’s streak of decisive results (no draws) in this tournament now stands at 5 matches (1 win, 4 losses).
• In 5 of the national team’s last 7 away games in World Cup qualification, at least one side failed to score.

Armenia’s Predicted Lineup

Armenia’s Predicted Lineup (3-4-3): Ognjen Čančarević – Georgi Harutyunyan, Sergey Muradyan, Erik Piloyan – Kamo Hovhannisyan, Ugochukwu Iwu, Eduard Spertsyan, Nair Tiknizyan – Lucas Zelarayán, Tigran Barseghyan, Grant-Leon Ranos. Forward Edgar Sevikyan is out of the squad due to injury.

Referee Profile

Chris Kavanagh (England)

Matches officiated: 15 (International fixtures, 2024/25-2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows): 74;

Average yellow cards per match: 4.9;

Red cards shown: 2;

Average fouls per match: 23;

Penalties awarded: 13%.

Match Prediction: Goals Expected

Both teams are known for their engaging and high-scoring matches, a trend already evident in the current qualification tournament. Hungary’s previous 12 World Cup qualifying encounters have seen at least 3 goals scored in 9 of them, including all of their last 4 games in this competition. In September alone, Marco Rossi’s side was involved in matches that produced a total of 9 goals across two fixtures. It’s also worth noting that at least 3 goals have been scored in 5 of Hungary’s last 6 home World Cup qualifiers. Armenia’s first two World Cup qualifying matches also demonstrated a high-scoring pattern, with a combined total of 8 goals in those encounters. Overall, the 3-goal threshold has been surpassed in 4 consecutive World Cup qualifiers involving the national team, with an impressive 5 goals scored in 3 of those 4 games. Considering these statistics, I anticipate that the direct clash between Hungary and Armenia will also feature a considerable number of goals. My prediction is – “Total Goals Over 2.5” Author: Nikita Kudryavtsev