Match Overview and Context

The 5th-round match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification tournament between the national teams of Ireland and Hungary is scheduled for September 6th at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. This comprehensive preview provides an in-depth analysis of the Ireland vs Hungary fixture, including predictions, odds, and crucial statistics.

Ireland Team Analysis

Current Form and Qualification History

The Irish national team approaches this encounter on a 5-match unbeaten streak in this tournament, comprising 2 victories and 3 draws. This positive run occurred in the previous World Cup qualification cycle, where the Irish finished third in their group, behind Portugal and Serbia, accumulating just 9 points from 8 matches. Heimir Hallgrímsson’s squad, like all teams in Group F, is just commencing their current 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Earlier this year, they secured promotion to League B in the UEFA Nations League by twice defeating Bulgaria in playoff matches, and they also played two friendly matches, both concluding in draws.

Key Statistics for Ireland

• Ireland has achieved only 2 wins in their last 10 World Cup qualifying matches, along with 4 draws and 4 losses.
• The national team has not conceded more than 1 goal in any of their last five tournament matches.
• On home turf, the Irish have a 5-match winless streak in World Cup qualifiers, with 3 draws and 2 defeats.

Ireland’s Predicted Starting Lineup (4-4-2)

Caoimhín Kelleher – Nathan Collins, Jake O’Brien, Matt Doherty, Ryan Manning – Finn Azaz, Michael Johnston, Jason Knight, Josh Cullen – Evan Ferguson, Chiedozie Ogbene.

Hungary Team Analysis

Qualification Performance and Recent Games

Hungary’s national team had a disappointing previous World Cup qualification campaign, finishing only in 4th place. In 10 matches, the Hungarians secured 5 victories and 2 draws, but also suffered 3 defeats. England, Poland, and Albania finished above them. It’s worth noting that in the group stage of the last World Cup qualifiers, Hungary averaged 1.9 goals per game, though these were predominantly scored against San Marino and Andorra. This calendar year, the national team lost two Nations League playoff matches to Turkey, resulting in their relegation to League B, and also played two friendly matches (1 win and 1 loss).

Key Statistics for Hungary

• At least 3 goals were scored in 7 of Hungary’s last 10 World Cup qualifying matches.
• The team has avoided defeat in 4 of their last 5 away matches in this tournament, securing 3 wins and 1 draw.
• Hungary remained unbeaten in the first half in their last 11 World Cup qualifying matches, recording 6 wins and 4 draws.

Hungary’s Predicted Starting Lineup (3-4-2-1)

Dénes Dibusz – Willi Orbán, Loïc Négo, Márton Dárdai – Milos Kerkez, Márton Dárdai, Áron Csongvai, Bendegúz Bolla – Dominik Szoboszlai, Alex Tóth – Barnabás Varga.

Referee Profile

Match Official: Harm Osmers (Germany)

Harm Osmers (Germany)

Referee Statistics (2024/25–2025/26)

Matches officiated – 8 (International matches);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 40;

Average yellow cards per match – 5;

Red cards shown – 1;

Average fouls per match – 22;

Penalty awards – 38%.

Match Prediction: Ireland – Hungary

Analysis of Group F Dynamics

In Group F, Portugal is the clear favorite for the top spot. Challenging them for first place will be incredibly difficult, but the remaining three teams will vie for second. Therefore, in clashes between such rivals, it’s crucial to perform optimally at home. However, the Irish have not been particularly impressive on the international stage for a long time, and even at home, they have shown weak results – in their last 9 home World Cup qualifying matches, they have only defeated Moldova (with 5 draws and 3 losses).

Hungary’s Strong Form and Away Record

Hungary is currently experiencing one of its best periods. The national team has consistently reached the final stages of the European Championship but has yet to qualify for the World Cup. To finally reach the main stage of the World Cup, they need to secure victories not only at home but also away. Notably, in their last five away matches in this tournament, Hungary has suffered only 1 defeat, achieving 3 wins and 1 draw. They even managed to share points with England and defeated Poland in their last away game.

Final Betting Tip

My prediction – “Hungary with a (0) handicap” at odds of 1.98