Liam Scales 95th minute assist wins World Cup play-off place for Ireland | OneFootball

A glory moment for Celtic’s Liam Scales as his 95th minute assist for Irish hat-trick hero earns the Republic of Ireland a World Cup play-off spot at the expense on today’s opponents Hungary…

Players of Republic of Ireland celebrate their sides third goal scored by Troy Parrott of Republic of Ireland during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Hungary and Republic of Ireland at on November 16, 2025 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)

Liam Scales was an Irish hero this afternoon as he got the most important assist of his career, with the second last touch of the match in the closing seconds of stoppage time to set up Troy Parrott’s hat-trick goal in Budapest in a 3-2 World Cup qualifier win over Hungary.

Liam Scales of Republic of Ireland is challenged by Loic Nego and Roland Sallai of Hungary during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Hungary and Republic of Ireland at on November 16, 2025 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)

The win in Budapest means Ireland leapfrog Hungary into second place in the group to deny the Hungarians a play-off spot for the World Cup Finals next summer which will be held in North America across three countries, Canada, USA and Mexico.

Liam Scales of Republic of Ireland celebrates his sides third goal scored by Troy Parrott of Republic of Ireland (not pictured) during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Hungary and Republic of Ireland at on November 16, 2025 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)

That incredible result means that on top of Ireland’s brilliant 2-0 win over Portugal in Dublin earlier in the week – with Troy Parrott scoring those two goals too – Ireland achieved Mission Impossible, by winning both matches to earn what looked like an unlikely place in the World Cup play-offs next spring. So the Irish dream is very much still alive and with assists in both matches, Celtic star Liam Scales has certainly played his part.

Fans of Republic of Ireland in the stands during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Hungary and Republic of Ireland at on November 16, 2025 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)

Scales described the win over Portugal in Dublin as the best moment of his career so far, well today will have been even better and you can see the elation in his face as he celebrated his 95th minute assist.

Delighted for Liam, and also Johnny Kenny, Adam Idah, Mikey Johnston and indeed all the Irish boys. Troy Parrott will be the big Irish hero and not for behind him will be Celtic’s outstanding centre half.

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