In a direct showdown for a 2026 World Cup European play-off spot in Group F, Hungary hosted Ireland in a match that had everything — early goals, late twists and a hero who refused to miss. Hungary needed just a draw. Ireland needed nothing short of victory.

The hosts struck almost instantly: Lukács fired Hungary ahead in the 3rd minute, sending the home crowd into early celebration. But Ireland punched back. In the 15th minute, they earned a penalty, calmly converted by Perrott, who would go on to define the night.

Hungary regained control late in the first half through a sharp finish from Varga, setting the score at 2–1. But the Irish refused to fade. On the 80th minute, Perrott struck again, levelling the match and ramping up the tension with the play-off spot hanging in the balance.

And then came the moment of pure heartbreak for Hungary and pure euphoria for Ireland. Deep into stoppage time — the 96th minute — Perrott completed his sensational hat-trick, securing a dramatic 3–2 victory and sending Ireland through.

FIFA World Cup 2026, Qualifiers

Hungary - Ireland 2:3 (2:1)
Goals: Lukács, 3 (1:0); Parrott, 15 (penalty) (1:1); Varga B., 37 (2:1); Parrott, 80 (2:2); Parrott, 96 (2:3)

Hungary: Dibusz; Szalai At.; Orban W.; Nego (Mocsi, 93); Kerkez M.; Szoboszlai; Schafer (Ötvös, 63); Sallai R. (Redzic, 93); Toth A. (Bolla, 76); Lukács (Styles, 63); Varga B.
Substitution: Ötvös (from 63); Styles (from 63); Bolla (from 76); Mocsi (from 93); Redzic (from 93)
Bench: Demjen; Szappanos; Balogh B.; Dardai M.; Nagy Z.; Vitalis; Gruber
Yellow Cards: Szalai At. 45; Varga B. 95

Ireland: Kelleher; Coleman (Ebosele, 60); Scales; O'Shea D.; O´Brien (Manning, 46); Collins N.; Cullen (Taylor Ja., 81); Molumby (Kenny J., 60); Ogbene (Idah, 53); Azaz; Parrott
Substitution: Manning (from 46); Idah (from 53); Ebosele (from 60); Kenny J. (from 60); Taylor Ja. (from 81)
Bench: Bazunu; Travers; Dunne Jimmy; Egan; Coventry; McGrath; Johnston M.
Yellow Cards: Scales 68; Cullen 78; Ebosele 89