Match Overview: Hungary vs Portugal

The 6th round match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying tournament between the national teams of Hungary and Portugal is scheduled to take place on September 9 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest. This preview offers a detailed analysis, including predictions, odds, and key statistics for the Hungary – Portugal encounter.

Hungary’s Form and Performance

The opening round in Group F unfolded largely as expected. Portugal swiftly took the lead in the quartet’s standings, while Hungary secured a draw on the road against Ireland (2:2). However, Marco Rossi’s squad could have potentially earned all three points, having initially led 2:0 before conceding an equalizer in the 93rd minute. Despite this, it’s worth noting that Hungary’s winless streak in World Cup qualification now extends to four matches (comprising two wins and two draws).

Key Hungarian Statistics

• Hungary has conceded goals in 8 of their last 9 World Cup qualifying matches.
• At least 3 goals have been scored in 4 of Hungary’s last 5 home matches in this tournament.
• In their last 14 home fixtures in World Cup qualifiers, the national team has suffered only 4 defeats (registering 8 wins and 2 draws).

Hungary’s Expected Starting Lineup (4-5-1)*

Dénes Dibusz – Willi Orbán, Loïc Nego, Milos Kerkez, Attila Szalai – Callum Styles, Roland Sallai, Bendegúz Bolla, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alex Tóth – Barnabás Varga.

Player Availability Update

Forward Roland Sallai will miss this fixture due to a suspension.

Portugal’s Campaign So Far

Roberto Martínez’s side immediately established themselves as the group leaders. In their initial qualifying match, the national team convincingly defeated Armenia 5:0 away from home. Notably, all five goals were scored within the first hour of play. This victory marked Portugal’s third consecutive win in World Cup qualification.

Key Portuguese Statistics

• At least 3 goals have been scored in 8 of Portugal’s last 10 World Cup qualifying matches.
• In their last 20 matches in this tournament, the national team has secured 17 victories (along with 2 draws and 1 defeat).
• Portugal’s unbeaten run away from home spans 9 matches (comprising 7 wins and 2 draws).

Portugal’s Expected Starting Lineup (4-3-3)*

Diogo Costa – Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Mendes, João Cancelo – Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes, João Neves – Vitinha, João Félix, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Match Official: Referee Profile

Éric Lambrechts (Belgium)

Referee’s Statistical Overview

Matches officiated – 10 (International fixtures, 2024/25–2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellow leading to red) – 33;

Average yellow cards per match – 3.3;

Red cards shown – 1;

Average fouls per match – 22;

Penalties awarded – 10%.

Match Prediction: Hungary vs Portugal

Over the past 16 years, these two rivals have met 6 times in official competitions. Portugal emerged victorious in five of those encounters, with one match ending in a high-scoring draw. Considering Portugal’s current form, I believe the visitors will once again claim victory in this fixture.

Home Advantage vs Away Dominance

Hungary boasts decent home statistics in World Cup qualifiers. However, a closer look at their wins reveals that these victories were primarily achieved against weaker opponents. Against strong mid-table teams, and especially against European top-tier nations, Hungary tends to struggle. Portugal, conversely, consistently secures wins on the road, not only against underdogs but also against respectable mid-tier teams – in their last 9 away matches in World Cup qualification, they have recorded 7 wins and 2 draws.

Final Betting Tip

My prediction is a “Portugal Victory” with odds of 1.53. 1.53

Lineup Clarification

* The starting lineup listed for each team refers to their last match in this tournament.