Hungary vs Ireland prediction 16.11.2025 | World Cup qualification

Hungary haven't played at the World Cup since 1986. The team improved in recent years and became quite regular at the EURO, so missing another World Cup would be a big disappointment. Hungary are currently two points behind the group leader, Portugal, but realistically, second position and the playoffs seem more realistic. 

Hungary played well recently, as they are unbeaten in the last three matches. In the previous game, Hungary won 1-0 on the road against Armenia. The guests probably expected a better performance, but a solid first-half display was enough for another victory. 

Hungary's head coach, Marco Rossi, was disappointed with his team's second-half display in Armenia. He said that if his team plays like that against Ireland, they will not even get a draw. 

Ireland haven't played at the World Cup since 2002, and a few days ago, an appearance in the USA, Canada, and Mexico seemed unreachable, but Heimir Hallgrimsson's team shockingly won 2-0 on Thursday against Portugal, and now Ireland needs another triumph to secure a place in the playoffs. Hallgrimsson's team had only 23% ball possession, but executed opportunities perfectly and secured a big victory. Ireland will need another performance like that on Sunday afternoon. 

Ireland's head coach, Heimir Hallgrimsson, was proud of his players after a win against Portugal. He said, "I'm just proud, proud of the performance of the guys. It was hard work, it was discipline and focus, but most of all, it was good teamwork. We kept them at bay. There were shots from outside (the area), yes, a few, but they never kind of played through us."