Hungary will miss a couple of important players in Belfast so I don't view them as favorites. Northern Ireland have been tough to beat this year, so a draw looks likely.
Key Stats
- Northern Ireland are unbeaten in 10 of their last 11 home matches.
- Hungary are unbeaten in 7 of their last 9 matches.
Hungary Lead H2H
These two nations locked horns seven times so far and Hungary have a 5-1 advantage in terms of victories.
Hosts Were Lucky in Tbilisi
After losing the World Cup 2026 qualifying playoffs to Italy in March, Northern Ireland had mixed results in their international friendlies throughout the year.
Neighbouring clash against Wales ended 1-1 in late March, while they defeated Guinea 1-0 and lost to France 3-1 in their summer friendlies.
Northern Ireland were tagged underdogs in Friday's clash against Georgia in Tbilisi but claimed a 1-0 victory, Shea Charles scoring the winning goal deep in stoppage time. The opposition missed a penalty and had more chances.
Hungary Coming off a Disappointing Loss
After missing out on the World Cup 2026 qualifying playoffs due to a shocking 3-2 home loss to Ireland, Marco Rossi's side had good results in their international friendlies.
This includes a 1-0 win over Slovenia and a goalless draw against Greece in March slate, while they earned back to back victories against Finland 2-1 and Kazakhstan 3-1 in June.
Hungary had 2.03-1.29 expected goals, 57% possession and 17-10 shots on Friday against Ukraine at home yet lost the encounter 1-0. Defender Bendeguz Bolla missed a big chance to level the score.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Northern Ireland (4-1-4-1) Pierce Charles; Trai Hume, Tom Atcheson, Paddy McNair, Ciaron Brown; Shea Charles; Ethan Galbraith, Patrick Kelly, Isaac Price, Justin Devenny; Jamie Donley
Northern Ireland have to cope without center-back Dan Ballard after he suffered an injury during their 1-0 win against Georgia, joining Conor Bradley, Ali McCann, and Brad Lyons on the sidelines.
Northern Ireland have to cope without center-back Dan Ballard after he suffered an injury during their 1-0 win against Georgia, joining Conor Bradley, Ali McCann, and Brad Lyons on the sidelines.
Hungary (3-4-2-1) Denes Dibusz; Attila Szalai, Willi Orban, Marton Dardai; Bendeguz Bolla, Andras Schafer, Callum Styles, Milos Kerkez; Dominik Szoboszlai, Daniel Gazdag; Donat Barany
Hungary have arrived in Belfast facing an attacking selection crisis, as forwards Roland Sallai and Barnabas Varga remain completely ruled out.
Hungary have arrived in Belfast facing an attacking selection crisis, as forwards Roland Sallai and Barnabas Varga remain completely ruled out.