Ireland vs Hungary | 2025 World Cup Qualifiers

Ireland are hurtling into the international break with velocity just at the right time it seems. Unbeaten in their last four outings, the Boys in Green's record against Hungary has been enough to convince even the most pessimistic of fans - as they are now unbeaten in six games on the bounce. With the Avivia Stadium packed and ready to back Heimir Hallgrímsson and his men, Ireland should be able to kick into a new gear and edge this one over the line.

With a new found discipline in their defensive habits, Ireland are looking to go into the game as an unmoveable force. Despite the fact some key players like Troy Parrott are due to miss this one due to injury, their squad depth should mean this shouldn’t be a problem - especially as Hungary have only managed a solitary victory over Azerbaijan so far this year. .

It’s clear the visitors are vulnerable at the back and are lacking in their creative departments, and with pressure firmly on their shoulders, Ireland look like the better value here at 13/8 with William Hill to take the three points.

This price feels generous for a side with home advantage and a proven track record against the Hungarians - with Ireland unbeaten in six against Hungary, a record which stretches back to 1969! Basically, it’s a no brainer to back the Boys in Green to win this one.

Evan Ferguson will be in the spotlight this weekend for more reasons than one. Returning to training after a tragic week for his family due to the loss of his grandfather, Ferguson will be looking to impress as the focal point for Ireland’s attack and he’s looking fated to start against Hungary on Saturday. 

He has scored just once this year for Ireland, but his physicality, aerial dominance and ability to make a nuisance of himself in the box will test the shaky Hungarian backline. Historically, Ferguson has been known to relish these tight, sticky opportunities, especially if he has the space to do so.  

Joining Roma only recently on loan, the 20-year-old has had enough time to sharpen his skills under the watchful eye of manager Gian Piero Gasperini. Hungarian boss Marco Rossi himself has even admitted to the importance of containing Ferguson in Dublin this weekend if his team want to leave with a win under their belts. 

With Troy Parrott out with a knee injury, Ferguson is dead set on being the only man to topple this Hungarian defence, and he’s shown he has the talent to deliver goals.Backing him at 3/1 with 888Sport to score anytime in front of a packed Aviva Stadium is looking like the play here for Saturday evening.

Having looked at the recent form of both teams and considering the occasion, this game has all the markings of a cagey battle rather than a goal-fest. Ireland are structurally more solid at the back, with Hungary looking the leakier of the two, and with so much riding on an early qualification, there’s no expectation for either manager to force a risk or push for anything less than a narrow lead. 

Hallgrímsson has stressed his attention towards organising his team for these games and with Hungary more comfortable taking the back seat to soak up pressure, it could mean either a tense stalemate or a last minute clincher.  

Recent games are in favour of the lower scoring take and with both teams looking to scrap for this generous second spot qualification, there’s no way this game won’t be one of fine margins. The last few matches for Ireland have also been tight, with goals not coming convincingly from open play. Hungary’s attack has similarly fallen on deaf ears recently against tougher opposition, relying on moments of individual brilliance rather than collective pressure. 

With nerves high in Dublin this weekend and both teams not looking likely to let loose, the odds are at 4/6 for this one at BoyleSports. I’d say play it safe, and take this one for its smart value considering the stats.