Ireland vs Hungary Prediction & Betting Tips (6 September)

As the 2026 World Championship qualifiers ignite, Ireland and Hungary prepare to clash in a pivotal Group F opener at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on September 6th. The stakes are high for both sides, with Ireland eager to end a 24-year absence from the World Cup and Hungary aiming to reassert its continental pedigree. Under the guidance of Heimir Hallgrímsson, Ireland has shown signs of resurgence, winning four of their last nine matches, including a double over Bulgaria in the Nations League playoffs. Hallgrímsson’s experience with Iceland and Jamaica has instilled tactical discipline and belief in a squad that blends youth with grit.

Ireland’s backbone will likely feature Brentford’s Nathan Collins, now captain in Seamus Coleman’s absence, and goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, fresh off a summer move to Brentford from Liverpool. Their defensive synergy will be crucial against Hungary’s dynamic midfield, led by Dominik Szoboszlai, whose Premier League form has made him one of Europe’s most exciting talents. Ireland’s recent 2-1 friendly win over Hungary earlier this year adds psychological edge, but the Hungarians are no strangers to bouncing back. Marco Rossi’s men have faced Ireland twice in recent years, both times in tight encounters, and they’ll be keen to rewrite the narrative.

Hungary enters the qualifiers with a mix of optimism and caution. The team’s placement in the second tier of UEFA’s draw has exposed them to a challenging group, including either Portugal or Denmark. Rossi, who has steered Hungary through tough European campaigns, knows the margins are thin. His squad, featuring veterans like Ádám Szalai and emerging stars such as Milos Kerkez, will rely on tactical flexibility and set-piece precision. Hungary’s recent Nations League draw against Germany showed their ability to frustrate top-tier teams, and their familiarity with Ireland’s physical style could prove advantageous.

Expect a tightly contested match, with Ireland leveraging home advantage and a renewed sense of purpose. Hungary’s technical flair and counter-attacking threat will keep the Irish defense honest, but Hallgrímsson’s men have momentum and a tactical edge. A 2-1 scoreline in favor of Ireland feels plausible—Collins anchoring the backline, Kelleher making key saves, and a late winner from Evan Ferguson or Chiedozie Ogbene sealing the deal. It won’t be a walkover, but Ireland’s hunger and home crowd could tip the balance in a match that may define their qualifying campaign.