The parameters of Ireland’s final World Cup qualifying game against Hungary on Sunday have been flipped on their head by Thursday’s dramatic win over Portugal.

After Hungary won in the earlier game in Yerevan to go four points clear, Ireland’s task at hand looked a tall one.

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The most unlikely of victories over Portugal has reignited hope that this team can reach the World Cup, but an away day in Budapest will be another massive test for Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side.

We think two changes to the side that got Ireland over the line on Thursday can do the job and deliver a World Cup playoff on Sunday.

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The Ireland team we want to see v Hungary in Budapest

Formation: 5-4-1

GK: Caoimhín Kelleher

Kelleher may have been surprised he was not tested more often against Portugal, but he was once again faultless every time he was called upon. A lock in goal for Ireland.

 

RWB: Seamus Coleman

Seamus Coleman Ireland Portugal13 November 2025; Seamus Coleman of Republic of Ireland celebrates after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F Qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and Portugal at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile

What can you say about Seamus Coleman that hasn’t already been said? The veteran full-back was immense in Thursday’s win, and has experience of pulling big wins out in games like these down through the years.

For his spirit alone, he would be in the team, but he has proven he deserves his starting spot.

 

CB: Jake O’Brien

Coleman’s Everton teammate has looked far more comfortable since shifting from right back to centre-back. A crucial cog in Ireland’s back three.

 

CB: Nathan Collins

Collins had one of his best games for Ireland on Thursday, marshalling (and rattling) Ronaldo and co. on a night when he took ownership of the captaincy.

With Coleman alongside him, he will hope he can lead Ireland to the cusp of a World Cup spot.

 

CB: Dara O’Shea

O’Shea’s most memorable contribution on Thursday was his role in Ronaldo’s sending off, but he was resolute alongside Collins and O’Brien at the back. The defensive trio are (or certainly should be) locked in for Hallgrímsson.

 

LWB: Liam Scales

Liam Scales13 November 2025; Liam Scales of Republic of Ireland after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F Qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and Portugal at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

With so many players missing through injury or suspension, Liam Scales played at wingback for the first time in a long time on Thursday – and the Celtic man was absolutely superb.

Even with players returning to the fold, we would stick with him for his defensive strength, and ability to cut through the lines with his through balls.

 

RM: Chiedozie Ogbene

The previously ever-reliable Ogbene had been operating below his usual standards since returning to Ireland duties early in this camp, but the Portugal game was a reminder of just how good he can be in an Irish shirt.

His intelligence and pace tested Portugal, and Sunday’s game is the kind of one that is made for the Corkonian.

 

CM: Jayson Molumby

Jayson Molumby Ireland Armenia14 October 2025; Jayson Molumby of Republic of Ireland celebrates late in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F qualifying match between Republic of Ireland and Armenia at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Returning from suspension, we expect Jayson Molumby to come straight back into the team in place of Jack Taylor.

Not the flashiest of players, but Molumby was one of Ireland’s best performers in Lisbon last month, and his tenacity can unsettle Hungary in front of a partisan crowd.

 

CM: Josh Cullen

Like so many others, Josh Cullen had one of his best games for Ireland on Thursday.

His place in the team is not in doubt, but his recent form (he was impressive in October, too) is encouraging ahead of Sunday’s crunch clash.

 

LM: Ryan Manning

Ryan Manning14 October 2025; Ryan Manning of Republic of Ireland during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F qualifying match between Republic of Ireland and Armenia at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Another player returning from suspension, Ryan Manning will almost certainly return to the starting XI after his brilliant form earlier in this campaign.

It is tempting to drop him in for Scales at LWB, but we’ve opted to push him higher up the pitch as he was early this year, and drop Finn Azaz to the bench. It should give Ireland more punch down the left and add to their attacking threat.

 

ST: Troy Parrott

The two-goal hero against Portugal, Parrott is another who does not have to worry about his place in the team.

With Evan Ferguson once again ruled out of Sunday’s game, Parrott’s role will be even more crucial. The form he’s in, you wouldn’t back against him scoring again.

 

The team in full
Ireland Hungary team

It’s a solid setup yet again from Ireland, but one we believe can deliver the most unlikely of playoffs with another famous win in Budapest on Sunday.

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