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Portugal are just one win away from confirming their place at the 2026 World Cup when they host Hungary at the José Alvalade Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Selecao survived a scare against the Republic of Ireland at the weekend, overcoming a missed penalty by Cristiano Ronaldo to secure a narrow 1-0 victory in Lisbon.
Rubén Neves proved to be the hero of Roberto Martínez’s team, returning home with an injury-time winner to maintain their impeccable record in Group F.
That result extended Portugal’s lead at the top to five points with just three games remaining, meaning a win over Hungary – combined with an Ireland win over Armenia – would guarantee qualification for next summer’s tournament.
Hungary arrives in Lisbon improving after a slow start to qualifying. Marco Rossi’s men moved up to second place thanks to a 2-0 home win over Armenia, with goals from Daniel Lukács and Zsombor Gruber. That result gives them little chance of catching Portugal, although avoiding defeat here is crucial to staying in contention.
The Magyars’ latest victory was only their second in nine games, but it ended a run of eight games without a clean sheet. It is encouraging that they have scored at least twice in four consecutive games in all competitions.
However, their record against Portugal is discouraging: Hungary has failed to win any of their previous 15 meetings, including a 3-2 home defeat earlier in this qualifying campaign.
Team news for Portugal-Hungary
Portugal emerged from their victory over Ireland without any new injury problems. Gonçalo Inacio was replaced at half-time by Renato Veiga, but the change seemed more tactical than forced, and the Brentford defender can now start again.
Francisco Trincão is fighting for a place in the starting lineup after his lively cameo at the weekend, setting up Neves’ decisive goal.
Joao Neves remains unavailable through injury, but Joao Palhinha provides strong cover in midfield.
For Hungary, Marco Rossi welcomes two key attackers in Roland Sallai and Barnabas Varga back from suspension. Both are expected to return to the starting lineup, likely at the expense of Daniel Lukács despite his goal against Armenia.
Dominik Szoboszlai will continue to captain the team and operate in left midfield, supported by Milos Kerkez, while Callum Styles is expected to retain his place in the center after an assured display last time out.
Expected lineups for Portugal-Hungary
Portugal: Coast; Dalot, Días, Veiga, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha; Trincao, Fernandes, Leao; ronaldo
Hungary: Thoth; Nego, Orban, Szalai, Amable; Bolla, Styles, Schafer, Szoboszlai; Sallai, Varga
How to watch Portugal v Hungary: TV channel, online streaming
Portugal-Hungary kicks off at 7:45 pm local time at the José Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon on Tuesday, October 14.
In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on Amazon Prime, while viewers in the US can watch the action on Fox Soccer Plus or stream it on FuboTV.
Portugal-Hungary statistics
- Portugal have won all six of their qualifying matches so far, scoring 17 goals and conceding just twice.
- The Selecão are unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions
- Hungary’s 2-0 win over Armenia ended a streak of eight games without a clean sheet
- The Magyars have not beaten Portugal in their previous 15 meetings, dating back to 1966.
- Cristiano Ronaldo has scored in four of his last six games against Hungary
Prediction
Hungary’s attacking reinforcements should make them more dangerous in the final third, and their recent goalscoring form suggests they can cause problems for the hosts.
However, Portugal’s depth, balance and experience are likely to shine again in front of their home crowd.
Prediction: Portugal 2-1 Hungary
