World Cup Qualifying is always full of drama, excitement, and big dreams. On September 9, 2025, Hungary will host Portugal in a massive Group F clash of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Hungary are trying to get back to the World Cup for the first time since 1986, while Portugal are aiming to make it to their seventh straight World Cup finals. Both teams come into this match with very different feelings after their opening games, which makes this showdown even more interesting.
Hungary’s Bumpy Start
Hungary should have been celebrating a win on matchday one. They were leading 2-0 against the Republic of Ireland going into the second half, but things fell apart quickly. Ireland fought back and the game ended 2-2. That result felt like a loss for Hungary because they dropped two valuable points that could come back to haunt them later in the group.
Hungary haven’t been in the World Cup in almost 40 years, and fans know how rare these opportunities are. The last time they reached the finals was in Mexico 1986, when big names like Lajos Détári were still around. Since then, they’ve mostly been on the outside looking in, struggling against Europe’s elite.
Coach Marco Rossi has done a lot of good work with the team over the last few years, including reaching Euro 2020 and competing bravely against big nations. But right now, things don’t look so great. Hungary have won only one of their last seven international matches (D2, L4). All four of those defeats came against teams ranked higher than them in FIFA’s rankings — and Portugal are ranked very high.
Hungary’s big star is Dominik Szoboszlai, the Liverpool midfielder. He’s their captain, their playmaker, and their free-kick specialist. One cool fact is that Hungary are unbeaten in the last 12 matches when Szoboszlai has scored (W10, D2). That means if he finds the net, Hungary usually get something out of the game. Fans will hope he can shine here, especially with the home crowd behind him in Budapest.
The bad news? Hungary will be missing one of their key attackers, Roland Sallai, who got a red card against Ireland. That leaves Szoboszlai with even more pressure to carry the team.
Portugal’s Flying Start
If Hungary’s opening match was frustrating, Portugal’s was almost perfect. They crushed Armenia 5-0, with goals flying in from all over the pitch. And of course, who else but Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to lead the way?
Ronaldo is now 40 years old, but he just keeps proving that age is only a number. He’s been scoring in international matches since 2004, and he’s still breaking records. That game against Armenia was another reminder that he remains one of the most dangerous forwards in the world.
Portugal have had a really strong couple of years. They won the Nations League in June 2025, showing they’re still one of Europe’s best teams. And with the World Cup coming up in 2026 — and then the big honor of co-hosting the 2030 World Cup — they want to stay at the top level.
On the road, Portugal are especially tough. They are unbeaten in their last nine World Cup Qualifying away games (W7, D2). That’s a streak full of clean sheets, goals, and confident performances. In fact, they have kept a clean sheet in seven of those nine games, which shows how hard it is to score against them.
Portugal’s squad is full of talent beyond Ronaldo. João Félix, who scored against Armenia, is another exciting player. Here’s a fun stat: every time Félix has scored for Portugal, they have never lost (W9, D1). Even better, he has scored the opening goal in his last three scoring games. If he gets on the scoresheet early, that could set the tone again.
The only small setback is that Diogo Dalot (Manchester United right back) had to leave the squad before the Armenia game. But Portugal have so much depth that they rarely feel the absence of one or two players.
Head-to-Head History
When you look at the history between these two teams, Portugal have been completely dominant. They have never lost to Hungary in 14 meetings (W10, D4). That includes some very memorable matches, like the 3-3 draw at Euro 2016 where Ronaldo scored twice to rescue Portugal — the same tournament where they went on to win the whole thing.
More recently, Portugal have won seven of the last eight clashes. Hungary always put up a fight, but Portugal usually find a way to break them down with their speed, skill, and finishing power.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Let’s break down some quick-fire stats going into this match:
Hungary are winless in their last five home games in Budapest (D3, L2).
Four of Hungary’s five games in 2025 have seen at least two first-half goals, meaning matches start fast.
Portugal have scored before halftime in six of their last seven World Cup qualifiers.
Portugal have seven clean sheets in their last nine WCQ away games.
These stats suggest a pattern: Portugal usually start strong, and Hungary have struggled to hold leads, especially against bigger teams.
Key Players to Watch
Dominik Szoboszlai : Hungary’s captain and set-piece king. If he scores, history says Hungary won’t lose.
Cristiano Ronaldo : Still the main man, still scoring braces, still unstoppable at 40 years old.
João Félix : Portugal’s “joker” in attack. When he scores, Portugal almost always win.
What’s at Stake?
For Hungary, this game is about proving they can compete with the best. Dropping points against Ireland hurt, but getting anything out of a match against Portugal would be a massive boost. The fans in Budapest will create an electric atmosphere, and Hungary will hope that pushes them to rise above their recent struggles.
For Portugal, it’s about continuing their momentum. They want to lock down first place in the group early, and with Ronaldo still firing and Félix growing in confidence, this is the kind of game where they’ll look to make a statement.
Prediction Combo
Based on history and form, Portugal are heavy favorites. Hungary may score, especially if Szoboszlai delivers a moment of magic, but Portugal’s attack looks too strong right now. With their away form and defensive solidity, another win looks likely.
Prediction Combo:
Portugal to win
Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
Ronaldo or Félix to score anytime
Final Thoughts
Hungary vs Portugal on September 9, 2025, is a clash of two teams with very different stories. Hungary are desperate to return to the world stage after decades away, while Portugal are confident, experienced, and full of talent. The Budapest crowd will do everything they can to inspire the home team, but history, form, and firepower all lean toward a Portuguese victory.
If Hungary are to pull off a surprise, it will almost certainly involve Szoboszlai scoring and the team defending with their lives. But with Ronaldo and Félix in great form, Portugal might just prove too strong once again.
