Ireland vs Hungary – Predicted lineup and team news | OneFootball

The Republic of Ireland and Hungary meet in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Dublin this weekend.

Both nations will be eyeing second place in Group F, which would bag them a play-off spot, with Portugal expected to end the campaign on top of the table while Armenia make up the numbers.

The Boys In Green, who have qualified for the World Cup since 2002, spy an opportunity to gain early ground as Hungary have been struggling for form over the past 12 months. The Mighty Magyars have not won a game in Ireland since 1969, losing their last two trips in 1989 and 2024.

Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson was in a confident mood ahead of the game, telling the media: “The quality in this team is big, it’s bigger than when I had Iceland, and we achieved what we did. The team building thing is what gives me confidence.”

Ireland predicted lineup and team news vs Hungary

Ireland team news

Hallgrímsson has a full squad to choose from after Liam Scales recovered from a knock he picked up while playing for Celtic last weekend. Johnny Kenny has been called in as attacking after Troy Parrott pulled out. All 23 players partook in their final training session on Friday.

Goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher will start between the posts following his move to Brentford from Liverpool. Southampton shot stopper Gavin Bazunu will be waiting in reserve.

Dara O’Shea and Nathan Collins will play in the centre of defence, but who the manager picks at full-back is up in the air. Matt Doherty is the only natural right-back in the squad, but Jake O’Brien has been playing that role for Everton. Ryan Manning may start on the left, but there is a chance he will be deployed in midfield or even on the wing.

Burnley midfielder Josh Cullen and Bristol City’s Jason Knight will likely start in the middle, while there is fierce competition for the wing spots. Fan favourite Chiedozie Ogbene returns to the squad for the first time since recovering from a long-term injury, but Mikey Johnston and Manning are more likely to get the nod on the flanks.

Evan Ferguson, who has impressed for Roma since leaving Brighton on loan, will start up front, with Finn Azaz playing a support role for the striker.

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Ireland predicted lineup

Possible Ireland starting XI (4-2-2): Kelleher; Doherty, O’Shea, Collins, Scales; Johnston, Knight, Cullen, Manning; Azaz, Ferguson.

When does the match kick off?

The qualifier is scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm BST on Saturday at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland.

How to watch Ireland vs Hungary?

UK viewers can catch live coverage on RTÉ2 via Freesat channel 521 or stream on RTÉ Player.

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