The decisive match was held at the Ferenc Puskás Stadium in Budapest, ending in a 3–2 victory for Ireland. With this defeat, Hungary lost the chance to compete in the UEFA playoff.

In that match, Szoboszlai played an active role, even providing an assist to Daniel Lukács for the opening goal. Unfortunately for the Liverpool player, his participation in the tournament across the United States, Mexico, and Canada was ultimately cut short.

Hungary’s long absence from the World Cup

Hungary‘s storied history on the world stage reached its most recent chapter at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, marking the nation’s final appearance in the tournament to date. Placed in a challenging group, the Magyars suffered a heavy opening defeat against the Soviet Union and a loss to France, though they managed a convincing victory over Canada.

While this campaign ended in the group stage, it stands as a nostalgic milestone for a proud country that once dominated the sport, preserving the legacy of their final twentieth-century generation on the global stage.

Hungary’s World Cup appearances

Hungary boast a rich and legendary legacy in the FIFA World Cup, highlighted by two spectacular runner-up finishes in 1934 and 1954. The latter tournament showcased the iconic “Magical Magyars” led by Ferenc Puskás, a revolutionary squad widely considered one of the greatest teams in soccer history despite their heartbreaking defeat in the final.

Though the nation has not appeared on the global stage since 1986, Hungary’s historic performances—which also include high-scoring spectacles like their record-breaking 10-1 win over El Salvador in the 1982 World Cup—firmly secure their place in the annals of football history.

Only one nation has ever managed to reach double digits in a single World Cup game. In 1982, Hungary stunned the soccer world by defeating El Salvador 10-1, setting a record that still stands more than 40 years later.

That historic performance not only produced the highest-scoring victory ever seen at a World Cup, but also helped cement a record that has survived generations of soccer stars and dozens of editions of the competition.

Who scored in Hungary’s record-breaking 10-1 victory?

Hungary’s goals in the historic 10-1 win at the 1982 FIFA World Cup were scored by Tibor Nyilasi, Gabor Poloskei, Laszlo Fazekas, Jozsef Toth, Lazar Szentes and Laszlo Kiss. El Salvador’s lone goal came from Luis Ramirez Zapata.

The match took place on June 15, 1982, in Elche, Spain, during the group stage of the World Cup. Hungary raced to a 3-0 lead before halftime and added seven more goals after the break to produce what remains the highest-scoring victory.

The complete list of scorers was:

• Tibor Nyilasi – 4′ and 83′
• Gabor Poloskei – 11′
• Laszlo Fazekas – 23′ and 53′
• Jozsef Toth – 50′
• Laszlo Kiss – 69′, 72′, and 76′
• Lazar Szentes – 70′
• Luis Ramirez Zapata (El Salvador) – 64′

The standout performer was Laszlo Kiss, who came off the bench and scored a hat-trick in just seven minutes. His achievement remains the fastest hat-trick in World Cup history and the only hat-trick ever scored by a substitute.

Remarkably, despite producing the most lopsided scoreline ever seen at a World Cup, Hungary failed to advance beyond the group stage. The Magyars later lost to Argentina and drew with Belgium, finishing third in their group.

Has any team broken Hungary’s World Cup record?

No team has broken Hungary’s World Cup record. The 10-1 victory over El Salvador in 1982 remains the largest win and the only match in which a team has scored 10 goals in a single World Cup game.

The margin of victory in that match was 9 goals. While other teams have matched that margin, none have surpassed it. According to Guinness World Records and FIFA, the biggest winning margin in World Cup history is still 9 goals.

The three matches that share the record for the largest margin of victory are:

What makes the 1982 result unique is that Hungary became the only team ever to reach double digits in goals during a World Cup match. Even dominant modern performances such as Germany‘s 8-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in 2002 or Spain‘s 7-0 win over Costa Rica in 2022 fell short of Hungary’s scoring record.

How to watch Hungary vs Finland in the USA

Viewers across the United States can tune in to FOX Soccer Plus for live coverage of this highly anticipated matchup.

Streaming options are also available through Fubo and ViX, allowing fans to watch every minute of the action live.

Can I watch Hungary vs Finland for free?

Soccer fans across the United States can stream this marquee contest live through Fubo, which carries the network airing the match nationwide.

While Fubo frequently provides a five-day free trial for new subscribers, that offer is not valid for this event, meaning there is no free streaming option available in the USA.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

With neither side earning a spot in the upcoming World Cup, Finland and Hungary meet in a matchup between two teams eager to turn the page and build momentum ahead of the next UEFA Nations League campaign.

Finland delivered a solid qualifying run in a challenging group that included Poland and the Netherlands, ultimately finishing third, while Hungary endured a more frustrating exit after entering the final Matchday with qualification within reach.

Needing only a draw to secure second place, Hungary instead suffered a decisive defeat that ended its World Cup hopes, setting the stage for a contest between two rivals determined to regroup and move forward.

Hungary vs Finland: Predicted Lineups

Hungary (3-4-2-1): Tóth, Orbán, Dárdai, Bolla, Kerkez, Schäfer, Vitális, A Tóth, Szoboszlai, Sallai, Redzic.

Finland (4-4-2): Hradecky, Alho, Ivanov, Hoskonen, Uronen, Kamara, Schüller, Kairinen, Lod, Pukki, Pohjanpalo.

What time is the Hungary vs Finland match?

The match kicks off today, June 5, at 1:45 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 1:45 PM
Central Time: 12:45 PM
Mountain Time: 11:45 AM
Pacific Time: 10:45 AM

After a disappointing group-stage campaign that included a costly loss to Latvia, Team USA still has a path to the quarterfinals — but every point matters now. A regulation win would keep the Americans alive heading into the final stretch.

With Justin Faulk and Matthew Tkachuk once again serving as two of the leaders of the roster, the pressure is now fully on the United States in one of the most important games of their World Championship campaign.

What happens if USA beat Hungary today?

If Team USA defeat Hungary in regulation, the Americans the Americans will stay alive in the race for the quarterfinals and move up to eight points in Group A.

A regulation win would give the United States the maximum three points in the Group A standings and could move them back into the top four depending on results involving Germany, Latvia and Austria.

The United States entered the final stretch of the preliminary round under pressure after a costly 4-2 loss to Latvia earlier in the tournament. That defeat left the defending world champions with very little margin for error.

Hungary entered the game near the bottom of Group A with only three points through six games, making this a matchup the Americans are expected to win if they want to remain in control of their own qualification chances.

What happens if USA and Hungary tie today?

If USA and Hungary are tied after regulation, Team USA will still remain alive in the quarterfinal race because they would earn at least one point. Under IIHF rules, both teams receive a point once the game reaches overtime.

The overtime winner receives two points, while the loser still earns one point. If Team USA lose in overtime, they would remain mathematically alive because of the single point awarded for the extra-time defeat.

What happens if USA lose to Hungary today?

If Team USA lose to Hungary in regulation, the Americans will be eliminated from quarterfinal contention at the 2026 IIHF World Championship. A regulation loss would leave USA stuck on five points while Hungary would jump to six.

USA arrived in Switzerland as the defending world champions after winning gold at the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship, but inconsistent results during the preliminary round have already placed them in a difficult position.

2026 IIHF World Championship top table ahead of USA vs. Hungary

Hungary didn’t do their part, as they suffered a late, 2-3 loss to Ireland. Meanwhile, Portugal beat Armenia comfortably. This means Hungary ended in third place of Group F. Portugal ended as leaders with 13 points, followed by Ireland with 10 (securing a spot in the playoffs for a World Cup berth), Hungary with eight points, and Armenia in last place with only three points.

The dream is over. Hungary did not do enough to even qualify to the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers Playoffs. This is a second round contested between 16 teams but only four will end up qualifying.

Hungary lost to Ireland quite unfairly

Even if the final score doesn’t show it, Hungary were clearly the superior side in the Puskas Arena. The 2-3 score doesn’t do justice, as Hungary dominated Ireland in shots, shots on target, ball possession, corners, and pretty much every offensive statistic there is. However, the Irish had more power of will in the latter minutes to get an incredible comeback with goals at the 80th and 96th minute.

The team knew it needed to win and it went out there to make sure that if Portugal slipped, it would’ve done what was needed. Still, it wasn’t enough as Ireland’s Troy Parrott scored a hat trick to get Ireland the win. Now, Hungary said goodbye to the 2026 World Cup.

Hungary had a very good squad to rely on

This is a very good squad. While it’s not a juggernaut, nor is it star-studded, Hungary have a good collection of guys that make this a very well-rounded team. Still, the lack of focus in the dying minutes of the game cost them.

Dominik Szoboszlai is one of the best box-to-box midfielders in the world right now. The Liverpool star is capable to not only cut passing lanes, but also create goalscoring oppportunities. He is the one guy capable of doing it all. However, the role players didn’t do much to help him in the second half of the game, and that ended Hungary’s 2026 World Cup dreams.

Ireland came into the game with 7 points and a +1 goal differential, while Hungary held the slight upper hand with 8 points and a +2 goal differential. Thus, Ireland’s hopes lied entirely on a victory during their visit to the Pearl of the Danube. It was stressful, but in the end Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side pushed through to walk away with a 3-2 win.

After securing the win in Hungary—along with Portugal’s thrashing of Armenia—Ireland clinched the second place in the group standings. That means Ireland are now through to the UEFA Play-Off Round where 16 teams will be competing for the final four tickets to the 2026 World Cup.

Thus, Ireland’s win didn’t automatically qualify them for the World Cup, per se, but it did push them through to the next stage, where they will compete for a place in the biggest tournament in international soccer. For some countries, reaching the Play-Off isn’t cause for celebration, but given how things looked coming into the final matchday, it’s the best-case scenario for Ireland.

Group standings: Portugal first, Ireland second

Following yet another magical night from Troy Parrott and the Boys in Green, Ireland clinched the second place in Group F, keeping their 2026 World Cup dream alive and well as they make it to the Play-Off Round.

• Portugal 13 points
• Ireland 10 points
• Hungary 8 points
• Armenia 3 points

UEFA Play-Off Round

Thanks to Parrott’s hat trick against Hungary — which included an unforgettable 96th minute game-winner — fans in the Emerald Isle can keep dreaming about making the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, the Boys in Green are still a long way from making the trans-Atlantic journey to North America. First, they will have to make it past other top countries in Europe.

16 national teams will compete in the UEFA Play-Off. The 12 sides that finished second in their groups will be joined by the four best teams in the Nations League ranking — those that didn’t qualify for the World Cup or the play-offs. The 16 teams will be split into four groups of four. They will face off in a single-leg semi-final before competing in a final. The four winners of each final will advance to the World Cup. Ireland will have a clear picture of who they’ll be up against on November 20, when the groups will be drawn.

Hungary have a good opportunity to compete in a World Cup for the first time since 1986. They are currently second in the table with eight points, trailing Portugal’s 10 points. Hungary still have a pathway to both direct qualification and the playoffs.

Ireland, meanwhile, delivered a shocking result on the last matchday by defeating Portugal 2-0, denying Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates the chance to secure their World Cup ticket early.

That major home victory kept alive Ireland’s hopes of reaching a World Cup for the first time since 2002. They currently sit third in the table with seven points, holding possibilities for the playoffs and even an outside chance at direct qualification.

What happens if Hungary beat Ireland?

If Hungary defeat Ireland, the outcome of the match between Portugal and Armenia will determine Hungary’s final position in the table. With a win, Hungary will need a defeat for Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates to secure direct qualification, while a Portugal victory would see Hungary settle with a playoff spot.

What happens if Hungary and Ireland tie?

If the match ends in a draw, Hungary will secure second spot in Group F and therefore a place in the playoffs, regardless of the result in the Portugal vs Armenia match.

What happens if Hungary lose to Ireland?

If Ireland manage to secure the victory on the road, then Hungary will be mathematically eliminated from the 2026 World Cup race. Ireland would then secure second place in the table, and if Portugal lose to Armenia, Ireland could even claim first place and direct qualification if they manage to surpass Portugal on goal differential.

Ronaldo spoke out for the first time after the match, addressing the disappointment and adding tension to Portugal’s campaign. The Portuguese star took to social media, writing, “We are getting closer to our goal! Let’s go, Portugal!”

The draw leaves Portugal waiting as they continue their push for World Cup qualification, highlighting the stakes for Ronaldo and his teammates in the remaining matches.

Portugal fell behind early in the match, but the response was immediate. The Hungarian defense held strong until Cristiano Ronaldo leveled the score in the 22nd minute, finishing off a precise pass from Nelson Semedo. Before halftime, the Portuguese captain struck again: in the 45+3’ minute, Nuno Mendes delivered a perfect cross from the left wing, and CR7, with his trademark finishing instinct, converted to put Portugal ahead 2-1. But a last-minute goal delays the qualification.

Ronaldo and a historic record during the match

Beyond the draw, Cristiano Ronaldo left his mark: his brace brought him to 41 goals in World Cup qualifiers and 948 official career goals, extending his record as the all-time top scorer in qualifiers. However, the match highlighted Portugal’s reliance on their captain to remain competitive, while defensive lapses allowed Hungary to snatch a valuable away point.

The draw keeps Portugal at the top of Group F but underscores the urgency of improving defensive solidity. CR7’s performance confirms his leadership, yet the team still needs greater collective consistency to secure direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

How Group F stands

With this draw, Portugal now have 10 points in Group F, ahead of Hungary with 5 points, but six points remain up for grabs in the final two matchdays. Ireland sit with 4 points, while Armenia have 3, leaving the final spots for World Cup qualification still very much open.

[Watch Portugal vs Hungary online in the US on Fubo PPV]

Portugal continues to dominate its World Cup qualifying group, collecting a perfect nine points from their first three matches after grinding out a hard-fought win over Ireland last time out.

Cristiano Ronaldo and his squad understand there’s no room for complacency as they prepare for one of their toughest tests yet against Hungary, a team eager to keep its own World Cup hopes alive by extending its winning streak.

When will the Portugal vs Hungary match be played?

Portugal play against Hungary this Tuesday, October 14, for Matchday 4 of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers. The match is set to kick off at 2:45 PM (ET).

Portugal vs Hungary: Time by State in the USA

ET: 2:45 PM
CT: 1:45 PM
MT: 12:45 PM
PT: 11:45 AM

How to watch Portugal vs Hungary in the USA

The UEFA World Cup Qualifiers matchup between Portugal and Hungary will be available for viewers in the USA via Fubo (get the game for $9.99). Other options: ViX.

Ronaldo, 40 years old, continues defying age. His presence in Portugal’s squad was confirmed earlier this month, cementing his role in their campaign. Though not every lineup is set in stone, Portugal approach this match knowing a win might clinch their spot at the World Cup.

Still, soccer rarely follows predictions perfectly. Tactical shifts, fitness, or late decisions by coach Roberto Martinez could alter plans. But all signs suggest Ronaldo is in the mix for tonight’s match.

Will Ronaldo start or play today?

Cristiano Ronaldo is confirmed to start for Portugal today vs. Hungary. The veteran striker is fully fit and remains a key figure in Roberto Martinez’s starting XI, both tactically and emotionally. His leadership and experience will be vital in a match that could secure Portugal’s direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

What this match means beyond Ronaldo

This is more than a star’s return. If Portugal win today, they could mathematically qualify for the 2026 World Cup, sealing their dominance in Group F. Hungary, meanwhile, will fight for survival, needing to turn a rugged campaign around.

For Ronaldo, this could be one of his final qualifying matches — and possibly his last in a home Portugal jersey, a moment filled with symbolism for both fans and teammates.

Portugal confirmed lineup vs Hungary

With qualification within reach, Portugal have named a strong starting XI led by their veteran captain. The confirmed lineup features Diogo Costa; Nelson Semedo, Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, Ruben Neves; Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto; and Cristiano Ronaldo up front.

[Watch Hungary vs Portugal online in the US on Fubo]

Group F heats up with a clash that could shape the race for the top spots as Portugal and Hungary square off. Portugal opened qualifying with a dominant 5-0 win over Armenia, once again proving their contender status behind Cristiano Ronaldo and a stacked supporting cast.

Hungary, on the other hand, let a 2-0 lead slip in a frustrating 2-2 draw with Ireland, leaving them eager to rebound against the group’s most dangerous opponent. This matchup has all the makings of a pivotal showdown that fans won’t want to miss.

When will the Hungary vs Portugal match be played?

Hungary take on Portugal this Tuesday, September 9, for Matchday 2 of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers. The match is set to kick off at 2:45 PM (ET).

Hungary vs Portugal: Time by State in the USA

ET: 2:45 PM
CT: 1:45 PM
MT: 12:45 PM
PT: 11:45 AM

How to watch Hungary vs Portugal in the USA

The UEFA World Cup Qualifiers matchup between Hungary and Portugal will be available for viewers in the USA via Fubo. Other options: Tubi, Amazon Prime Video, ViX.