The Daily Star Ireland
Portugal look to extend their perfect qualifying run as they host Hungary in Lisbon for a crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifier. Roberto Martínez’s side come into this fixture on a six-game unbeaten streak, including convincing wins over Armenia and Hungary in September.
Meanwhile, Marco Rossi’s Hungary are under pressure after dropping valuable points at home and need a result to stay in contention for direct qualification. With both sides battling injuries and tactical reshuffles, this promises to be a fascinating clash between Portugal’s flair and Hungary’s resilience.
Match Preview
Portugal are in red-hot form. Under Roberto Martínez, the Seleção das Quinas have rediscovered their rhythm — a balance of disciplined possession play and incisive counterattacks. Their recent 3-2 win over Hungary and 2-0 victory against Armenia demonstrated both depth and adaptability. Even at 40, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the talisman, scoring three goals in his last two qualifiers. Around him, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva continue to dictate tempo and supply creativity from midfield.
However, Martínez has had to deal with injury setbacks. João Cancelo and João Neves are unavailable, forcing a reshuffle in the back line. Lazio full-back Nuno Tavares joins the squad, and Diogo Dalot is expected to slot in on the right. Despite already securing a Nations League playoff berth, Portugal are chasing automatic qualification and the chance to seal top spot in style.
For Hungary, the road is far less smooth. Marco Rossi’s side sit mid-table in the group after a turbulent run — winless in their last six home matches and struggling to maintain defensive stability. Their 2-2 draw with Ireland showed spirit but also exposed a fragile back line. The suspension of Roland Sallai and Barnabás Varga further depletes their attack, leaving Dominik Szoboszlai as the primary creative force, likely operating as a false nine. In midfield, András Schäfer, Callum Styles, and Alex Tóth must contain Portugal’s dynamic trio while providing service to the front line.
Team Form & Recent Results
Portugal (Last 5 matches): W-W-W-W-W
Goals For: 15 | Goals Against: 3 | Clean Sheets: 3
Portugal have been unstoppable in qualifying, winning all five of their recent matches. They’ve averaged 3.0 goals per game and conceded just three times in that span. Martínez’s side continues to blend experience and youth seamlessly, with Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceição offering width and pace to complement Ronaldo’s finishing.
Hungary (Last 5 matches): L-D-L-D-W
Goals For: 6 | Goals Against: 10 | Clean Sheets: 1
Hungary’s form has dipped since their impressive Euro 2024 qualifying run. Their attack remains creative but wasteful, and defensive lapses have cost them late goals. With suspensions and injuries piling up, Rossi’s men must rely heavily on Szoboszlai’s set-piece accuracy and leadership to stay competitive in Lisbon.
Head-to-Head Record
Portugal have dominated this matchup in recent years.
Last 5 Meetings:
- Portugal 3–2 Hungary
- Hungary 0–3 Portugal
- Portugal 3–0 Hungary
- Portugal 1–0 Hungary
- Hungary 0–1 Portugal
Aggregate: Portugal 11–2 Hungary
Hungary haven’t beaten Portugal since 1963, and the gulf in technical quality remains clear.
Lineups, Injuries & Suspensions
Portugal (expected XI):
Costa – Dalot, Dias, Inácio, Tavares – Palhinha, Fernandes, Vitinha – Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo, Pedro Neto
Unavailable: João Cancelo, João Neves (injuries)
Hungary (expected XI):
Dibusz – Lang, Orbán, Szalai – Bolla, Styles, Schäfer, Tóth – Szoboszlai, Németh, Gazdag
Unavailable: Roland Sallai (suspension), Barnabás Varga (suspension)
Martínez is expected to maintain Portugal’s fluid 4-3-3, emphasizing vertical transitions and quick passing in the half-spaces. Rossi may deploy a 3-4-2-1 to congest midfield and limit Portugal’s rhythm.
Tactical Analysis & Key Players
Portugal’s tactical structure revolves around patient buildup and sharp passing triangles in midfield. Bruno Fernandes has been pivotal in linking play between the lines, while Bernardo Silva drifts centrally to combine with full-backs. Expect Ronaldo to lead the line supported by inverted wingers — Neto and Conceição — stretching Hungary’s back three.
Defensively, Portugal press in waves, with Palhinha’s ball-winning crucial in transition. Their backline’s distribution, particularly from Rúben Dias, initiates many attacking moves.
Hungary’s plan will likely involve sitting deep and breaking quickly through Szoboszlai’s creativity and Gazdag’s runs in behind. Without Sallai or Varga, they’ll lack a traditional striker, increasing pressure on Szoboszlai to produce from distance or set-pieces.
Key Players:
- Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo (3 goals in last 2 qualifiers), Bruno Fernandes (4 assists in qualifying), Bernardo Silva (control and creativity).
- Hungary: Dominik Szoboszlai (captain and playmaker), Willi Orbán (defensive leader), Peter Gulácsi (goalkeeper, shot-stopper).
Odds, Markets & Betting Tips
1X2 Odds: Portugal 1.28 | Draw 5.20 | Hungary 9.50
Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 1.70 | Under 2.05
Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes 2.30 | No 1.55
Betting Trends:
- Portugal have won eight straight home qualifiers.
- Hungary have lost four of their last five away games.
- Portugal have scored 3+ goals in six of their last eight matches.
- Hungary have failed to score in three of their last five.
Quick Facts (Featured Snippet):
- Venue: Estádio da Luz, Lisbon (Portugal)
- Kickoff: Monday, 20:45 local / 19:45 BST
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, Group D
Expert Tip: Portugal to win to nil offers value, given their defensive strength and Hungary’s attacking absences.
Where to Watch Online & Kickoff Time
Live Broadcast: RTP 1 (Portugal), M4 Sport (Hungary), UEFA.tv (international stream)
Kickoff: 20:45 local time (Lisbon) / 19:45 BST / 21:45 CET
Prediction: Portugal vs Hungary, 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
Portugal’s momentum, home form, and attacking depth make them overwhelming favorites. Hungary’s resilience may delay the inevitable, but Portugal’s fluidity in the final third and Ronaldo’s eye for goal should prove decisive. Expect the hosts to dominate possession, create numerous chances, and close out qualification in style.
Final Prediction: Portugal 3–0 Hungary
Best Bet: Portugal to Win & Over 2.5 Goals
Alternative Value: Cristiano Ronaldo to Score Anytime
Portugal’s class, composure, and creativity should secure a comfortable win in Lisbon as they continue their march toward the 2026 World Cup.
