We have a Republic of Ireland v Hungary prediction for you, plus a breakdown of the betting odds, team news and matchups ahead of Saturday’s World Cup Qualifier.
Ireland open their World Cup qualifying campaign on the back of a four-match unbeaten streak, where they have two draws and two victories.
Hungary in June had a 1-2 win over Azerbaijan, which ended their five-game winless streak.
Betting Odds
Republic of Ireland v Hungary Betting Odds – World Cup Qualifying 2025/26
Outcome | Odds | Chance |
|---|---|---|
Republic of Ireland | 8/5 | 38.5% |
Hungary | 7/4 | 36.4% |
Draw | 2/1 | 33.3% |
Republic of Ireland go into this game as marginal favourites at 8/5favourites to claim all three points at home. Visitors Hungary, on the other hand, find themselves priced as slight underdogs ar 7/4 The draw is available to punters at odds of 2/1.
*Odds are correct at the time of writing, but subject to change.
Republic of Ireland v Hungary Result - World Cup Qualifying 25/26
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Handicap Betting
Republic of Ireland: -1 - 5/1
West Ham +1 – 4/9
Handicap Draw -1 @ 16/5
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How To Watch
How To Watch Republic of Ireland v Hungary
This match kicks off at 19:45 in the Aviva Stadium and will be broadcast live on RTÉ 2.
Form Guide
Republic of Ireland’s Form Guide
The Republic of Ireland has not dawned a World Cup stage since the infamous saga in 2002, which means if they qualify for USA 2026, it’ll end a 24-year absence from the most prestigious tournament in World Football. Though it’s been a difficult few years for the Boys In Green, following a difficult start to life under Heimir Hallgrímsson, there is an air of positivity that this could be the year the absence ends.
Following a 5-0 humbling by the English at Wembley Stadium last November, Heimir’s side have bounced back with 2 wins over Bulgaria, both coming by 1-2 margins for a 4-2 aggregate score to safe their Nations League Group B place. More recently, in June, they had a credible 1-1 draw with Senegal before a disappointing 0-0 with Luxembourg.
After a Summer Transfer window where key figures, Kelleher, Ferguson got key moves to secure regular first-team football alongside Collins, who already was and “new” stars like Lawal, McAteer coming to more prominent club roles, the Irish squad looks to be in its strongest position in years, even with an in-form Parrott missing out through injury.
I fancy the Republic of Ireland to continue their recent unbeaten run in this game and at a minimum avoid defeat.
Republic of Ireland’s Last Five Results
Luxembourg 0-0 Republic of Ireland | June 10th | Draw
Republic of Ireland 1-1 Senegal | June 6th | Draw
Republic of Ireland 2-1 Bulgaria | March 23rd | Win
Bulgaria 1-2 Republic of Ireland | March 20th | Win
England 5-0 Republic of Ireland | November 17th | Loss
2 Wins, 2 Draws and 1 Loss
Hungary Form Guide
Hungary have been under the tutelage of Italian Marco Rossi since he was appointed in June 2018. During his tenure, he’s qualified them for both the Euro Championship Group Stage in both 2020 and 2024, but the World Cup has passed them by, with their last appearance being the 1986 tournament in Mexico.
Though 2024 ended for Hungary with just 2 defeats from 6 games in a year where they drew 1-1 at home against the Netherlands and Germany. While this year has been more difficult, with 3 defeats from their opening 3 games against Turkey 3-1 and 1-6 and then a 0-2 defeat to Sweden. They did bounce back with a 1-2 win over Azerbaijan last June in Baku to end their dismal run.
While Hungary arguably have a weaker squad “on paper” than the home side, there will still be plenty of familiar faces on display Saturday in the Aviva. Liverpool midfielder Szoboszlai will be the standout name for Ireland to stop, but they should have a strong defence too, with Leipzig defender Orban and new Liverpool LB Kerkez can offer something in defence and but even more going forward.
With that I think Hungary score at least a goal.
Hungary’s Last Five Results
Azerbaijan 1-2 Hungary | June 10th | Win
Hungary 0-2 Sweden | June 6th | Loss
Hungary 0-3 Turkey | March 23rd | Loss
Turkey 3-1 Hungary | March 20th | Loss
Hungary 1-1 Germany | November 19th | Draw
3 Losses, 1 Win and 1 Draw
Predicted Lineups
Republic of Ireland v Hungary Predicted Lineups
Republic of Ireland Predicted Starting XI (4-4-2)
GK: Kelleher
RB: Doherty, CB: Collins, CB: O’Shea, LB: Manning
RM: Johnston, CM: Cullen, CM: Knight, LM: Azaz
CF: Ferguson, CF: Szmodics
Hungary Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3)
GK: Dibusz
RB: Neto, CB: Orban, CB: Szalai, LB: Kerkez
CM: A Toth, CM: Schafer, CM: Szoboszlai
RW: Lukacs, CF: Varga, LW: Sallai
Head-To-Head
Republic of Ireland v Hungary Head-To-Head Results & Stats
All-Time Head-To-Head Record
Republic of Ireland wins: 3
Hungary wins: 4
Draws: 6
Head-To-Head Results Last Five Matches
Republic of Ireland 2-1 Hungary | Friendly | June 4th, 2024
Hungary 0-0 Republic of Ireland | Friendly | June 8th, 2021
Hungary 0-0 Republic of Ireland | Friendly | June 4th, 2012
Hungary 1-2 Republic of Ireland | Friendly | September 11th, 1991
Republic of Ireland 2-0 Hungary | World Cup Qualifying | June 4th, 1989
Key Players To Watch
Key Players To Watch
Evan Ferguson - Republic of Ireland
There’s been so much expectation on the Irish International that it’s hard to believe he’s still a month shy of his 21st birthday, and his 5 Goals from his first 22 games in a significantly weaker Irish side is comparable to a certain Irish legend. After getting his first “competitive” goal contribution for Roma last weekend with an assist, he should be high in confidence.
Dominik Szoboszlai - Hungary
The magic man for both club and country is coming into this International Break following his stunning winner for Liverpool against Arsenal last weekend. With a record of 16 goals from 55 games for his country, he’s their top active goal-scorer and the man Ireland will want to keep quiet.
Prediction & Best Bet
Republic of Ireland v Hungary Prediction & Best Bet
Prediction: Republic of Ireland 2-1 Hungary
Ireland are unbeaten in their last 6 against Hungary with 3 wins and 3 draws since their 4-0 defeat to them in 1989, and could take a huge early step toward qualifying with a win.
Hungary may be in poorer form, but they will fancy themselves for a result on Saturday, especially after being unfortunate to lose their last head-to-head game with Ireland.
Expect a tight affair with not too many goals, but I think the Aviva advantage may just swing it in the home side's favour.
Evan Ferguson First Goalscorer - 7/1
Republic of Ireland Ham Win or Draw - 4/9
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*Prices are subject to fluctuation
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