The Republic of Ireland’s surprise win over Portugal on Thursday has set up a tense finish to their World Cup qualifying group. The third-placed Irish are only three points shy of top side Portugal ahead of Sunday’s trip to second-placed Hungary.

The Portuguese head to Armenia with Cristiano Ronaldo suspended and they know a further slip could cost them top spot.

While both Hungary and the Irish hold slim hopes of finishing top, their showdown in Budapest is essentially a play-off for second-place.

With no Nations League backdoor for either side, only one can make it to March’s play-offs.

Have the Irish peaked at the perfect time to make a late run to North America next summer?

Selections

Both Teams to Score at 19/201-1 Draw at 5/1Republic of Ireland/Draw HT/FT at 11/1

Selection One: Both teams to score at 19/20

With so much on the line, it’s easy to see the opening stages of this clash being cagey. However, the side that concedes first will find itself stuck in third place, facing elimination from qualifying.

In September’s clash in Dublin, the Irish were able to rally at 2-0 down. They arguably created enough chances to come away with a win. That 2-2 draw means they need to push forward at some stage in Budapest, potentially opening this game up.

The Irish have produced two solid wins at home in their last two games, but they’ve suffered costly defeats at Portugal and Armenia in their two away trips in qualifying.

Hosts Hungary are favoured for the points, but they have some defensive concerns going into this game. They conceded 11 times in six Nations League games at the end of 2024, while they’ve shipped 16 goals across their nine internationals in 2025.

Both teams have scored in five of Ireland’s games this year, so that’s the standout bet at a shade below evens.

Selection Two: 1-1 Draw at 5/1

Hungary are at an advantage with their one-point lead over the Irish. Their desperation should only kick in if they fall behind, or if Portugal look to be dropping points.

The Irish have impressed across their last two games, so expect a stronger display than the one they produced in September's loss in Armenia.

Hungary have drawn both of their visits to the Republic of Ireland and Portugal, while they fell to a 3-2 defeat at home to the Portuguese.

The hosts have also recorded just 7.0 xG across their first five games, so it’s hard to see them running away with this one. Given that a point would book them into the play-offs, back the hosts to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Selection Three: Republic of Ireland/Draw HT/FT at 11/1

Given Hungary’s position, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Irish take the initiative in the early stages. The visitors are high on confidence after a couple of good wins.

We could see the reverse of their Dublin meeting, with Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side getting out in front before being pegged back. With the Irish failing to win five of their last six away games, they could get out in front before falling short.

Republic of Ireland/Draw is a massive 11/1 in the half-time/full-time betting, while that’s a result which would play into the hands of the hosts.

Our Tips from Match One

Ireland begin their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign underway with an Aviva Stadium tie against Hungary on Saturday.

The pair are housed in Group F, a four-team group also containing Portugal and Armenia.

With the market expecting the Portuguese to dominate the section, Ireland may feel they need to pick up three potentially valuable points in Dublin.

Selections

Ireland to win or draw @ 2/5Under 2.5 goals @ 41/20Evan Ferguson to score first @ 6/1

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Ireland can get off to a flying start

Ireland have made progress under manager Heimir Hallgrimsson and they look a good bet to get their 2026 World Cup qualifying effort off to a winning start against Hungary in Dublin.

The Boys in Green have lost only two of their last eight matches and those two reversals came in tough away Nations League fixtures in England and Greece.

Ireland were good enough to beat Finland twice in Group B2 and then Bulgaria home and away in the playoffs in last term's Nations League.

Those performances appear similar to what might be needed to down Hungary.

Keeping the draw as a push on the draw no bet market looks a good way to side with Ireland in Dublin.

Goals could be in short supply

Hallgrimsson was dealt a blow when forward Troy Parrott was forced to withdraw from the squad.

However, he has real top level depth with good performers Evan Ferguson, Sammie Szmodics, Nathan Collins, Josh Cullen and Matt Doherty are available for selection.

Hungary can call on Liverpool duo Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez, but goals are a major problem for Marco Rossi's side.

The Magyars actually played pretty well in the two legs of their Nations League relegation playoff against Turkey in March, but failed to make the most of their chances and ended up losing 6-1 on aggregate.

Rossi's men have scored only eight goals in their last 12 matches and none of the striking options open to the Italian are convincing.

With them averaging under a goal a game in recent outings, one might be all these two can muster, with an Ireland 1-0 win another option at 6/1.

Refocused Ferguson can fire

Ferguson's career has been hindered by injury and a lack of game time, but the Irishman scored 13 goals in 27 league games for Brighton and the forward has made an encouraging start to his loan move at Roma.

A complete pre-season and regular game time with the Giallorossi will only benefit the 20-year-old and he looks a reasonable bet to open the scoring against Hungary.

Parrot's injury means that goalscoring duties are likely to fall to Ferguson and in a potentially cagey contest, the young striking starlet can take any chances which come his way.