High Stakes in Budapest as Ireland Seek World Cup Dream
The Republic of Ireland's national football team arrives in Budapest for a must-win World Cup qualifier against Hungary this Sunday, the 16th of November 2025. Riding a wave of momentum from a stunning victory over Portugal, the Irish squad knows that a positive result is non-negotiable if they are to keep their dreams of qualifying for a first World Cup finals since 2002 alive.
Group F's Thrilling Conclusion
The mathematical possibilities for Group F are clear, if demanding. Under the guidance of manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, Ireland can still win the group and secure automatic qualification, but this requires a perfect storm. Not only must they defeat Hungary, but group leaders Portugal must simultaneously lose to minnows Armenia.
A more probable, yet still challenging, scenario sees Ireland securing a play-off spot. If Portugal win their match as expected, an Irish victory in Budapest would see them leapfrog Hungary, who currently occupy second place, and claim that coveted play-off position.
Confidence Boosted by Historic Portugal Win
The Irish camp is buzzing with confidence following their 2-0 triumph over Portugal on Thursday. The hero of that match was Troy Parrott, who scored both goals in a shock result that sent ripples through the qualifying group.
Their task received a significant, if unexpected, boost from that very match. Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was handed a straight red card, an suspension that rules him out of Portugal's final qualifier against Armenia, potentially levelling the playing field for the Armenian side.
With just a single point separating the two nations, this encounter in Hungary is effectively a straight shoot-out for a chance to continue the journey to the World Cup. All eyes are on Budapest for what promises to be a dramatic and tense conclusion to the group stage.
