Ireland XI vs Hungary - Predicted lineup and team news

Ireland and Hungary are set to clash in a pivotal FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier this Sunday afternoon in Budapest.

With a playoff spot on the line in Group F, both teams have everything at stake. Ireland must secure a victory to advance to the playoffs, while Hungary require just a draw to reach the same goal.

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The momentum is firmly with Ireland, who have revitalised their form in recent weeks. Their campaign was reignited by a landmark 2-0 triumph over group leaders Portugal last Thursday. After an early setback against Armenia, the Boys in Green have bounced back with successive wins in their last two matches, accumulating seven points from five games.

Ireland team news

Ryan Manning missed the Portugal fixture due to the accumulation of yellow cards. Robbie Brady and Callum O’Dowda remain out with injuries as reported earlier, and Josh Honohan has been battling groin issues. Mark Sykes remains unavailable.

Evan Ferguson is unlikely to return from an ankle injury after missing Thursday’s game. Celtic striker Johnny Kenny has been parachuted in as cover, but AZ Alkmaar forward Troy Parrott will surely start again after grabbing a brace against Portugal. Despite sustaining a knee injury at the start of the season, which ruled him out of the September international break, the 23-year-old has scored 13 goals in 14 games this term.

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Ireland skipper Nathan Collins will captain the side again after leading the Boys In Green to a famous victory over Portugal, winning 100 per cent of his aerial duels and not being dribbled past once.

Read – Martinez defends Ronaldo after red card against Ireland

Ireland predicted lineup

Possible Ireland starting XI: Kelleher; Coleman, Collins, O’Shea, O’Brien, Scales; Azaz, Taylor, Cullen; Ogbene, Parrott

When will the match kick off?

The match will kick off at 2pm BST on Sunday, 16th November.

How to watch Hungary vs Ireland?

Supporters in the UK and Ireland can catch all the live action on RTÉ 2, with streaming access also available on the RTÉ Player.

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