Portugal heads to Budapest looking to build on their strong start in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, while Hungary aims to bounce back from a frustrating draw in their opener. This Group F clash promises intensity as both sides chase crucial points early in the campaign.
The match kicks off at 18:45 GMT+0 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, with a capacity crowd of over 67,000 expected to create a lively atmosphere. Referee Erik Lambrechts from Belgium will oversee the proceedings in this World Cup Qualifying – Europe fixture, specifically in the group stage where every result counts toward securing a spot in the finals.
Betting Tips and Match Insights
Get ready for a deep dive into what could decide this encounter, from recent performances to direct clashes that highlight patterns. I always look at how teams have fared lately to spot momentum, like a side riding a win streak versus one patching up losses. Hungary vs Portugal prediction today focuses on those trends to give you an edge. Think of it as piecing together a puzzle where past results reveal potential outcomes. We’ll break down the forms next, setting the stage for smarter bets.
Hungary Results
Hungary enters this game after a mixed bag of results that show resilience but also vulnerabilities. Their most recent outing ended in a draw, yet earlier fixtures exposed defensive issues against stronger opponents. As the hosts, they hope home advantage turns the tide, much like a underdog fighter using the crowd’s energy.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L/D |
| 06/09/2025 | WC | Ireland vs Hungary | 2-2 | D |
| 10/06/2025 | FI | Azerbaijan vs Hungary | 1-2 | W |
| 06/06/2025 | FI | Hungary vs Sweden | 0-2 | L |
| 23/03/2025 | UNL | Hungary vs Turkey | 0-3 | L |
| 20/03/2025 | UNL | Turkey vs Hungary | 3-1 | L |
Hungary’s form reveals a team struggling for consistency, with only one win in their last five outings. That draw against Ireland showed early promise but late collapse, pointing to concentration lapses. Losses to Turkey twice highlight issues against organized attacks, similar to a wall cracking under pressure. Their sole victory over Azerbaijan offers hope, yet the string of defeats suggests defensive reinforcements are key. Overall, this mix pushes them to rely on stars like Szoboszlai for sparks.
Portugal Results
Portugal comes in hot, boasting a string of victories that underline their attacking prowess. Ronaldo’s brace in the opener against Armenia reminded everyone of their firepower, and the squad’s depth shines through. Under Martinez, they’ve turned close games into wins, like a machine hitting top gear.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L/D |
| 06/09/2025 | WC | Armenia vs Portugal | 0-5 | W |
| 08/06/2025 | UNL | Portugal vs Spain | 3-2 | W |
| 04/06/2025 | UNL | Germany vs Portugal | 1-2 | W |
| 23/03/2025 | UNL | Portugal vs Denmark | 5-2 | W |
| 20/03/2025 | UNL | Denmark vs Portugal | 1-0 | L |
Portugal’s recent run screams confidence, with four straight wins after that lone loss to Denmark. Thrashing Armenia 5-0 sets a high bar, showcasing clinical finishing akin to a sharpshooter. Beating Spain and Germany away proves they handle pressure, while the Denmark victory at home was a goal fest. That early defeat seems an outlier now, as their attack overwhelms defenses. This form positions them as favorites, ready to exploit weaknesses.
Hungary vs Portugal Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)
History between these two leans heavily one way, with Portugal dominating most encounters. Their last meeting in 2021 ended in a comfortable win for the visitors, setting a tone. Hungary managed a draw once, but overall, it’s a tough matchup for them, like facing a perennial powerhouse.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 15/06/2021 | EUR | Hungary vs Portugal | 0-3 |
| 03/09/2017 | WC | Hungary vs Portugal | 0-1 |
| 25/03/2017 | WC | Portugal vs Hungary | 3-0 |
| 22/06/2016 | EUR | Hungary vs Portugal | 3-3 |
| 10/10/2009 | WC | Portugal vs Hungary | 3-0 |
Portugal holds a clear edge in these clashes, winning four of the last five with one draw, underscoring their superiority in direct battles.
Predicted Lineups for Hungary vs Portugal Football Match
To get a sense of how this World Cup qualifier on September 9, 2025, might unfold, let’s look at the likely starting elevens for both Hungary and Portugal. These predicted lineups, based on recent team news and performances, give a snapshot of the players expected to take the field at Puskás Aréna. Think of it as a glimpse into the chess pieces each manager will move to outsmart the other.
Hungary Predicted Lineup
With Roland Sallai suspended, Hungary’s manager tweaks the XI to balance attack and defense, leaning on key players like Szoboszlai to drive the midfield.
Dibusz (GK), Nego (DF), Orban (DF), Szalai (DF), Kerkez (DF), Styles (MF), Bolla (MF), A. Toth (MF), Szoboszlai (MF), B. Toth (FW), Varga (FW)
Portugal Predicted Lineup
Roberto Martinez likely sticks with the core that dismantled Armenia, with Bernardo Silva slotting back in to add flair alongside Ronaldo’s goal-scoring menace.
Costa (GK), Cancelo (DF), Dias (DF), Inacio (DF), Mendes (DF), J. Neves (MF), Vitinha (MF), Fernandes (MF), B. Silva (MF), Ronaldo (FW), Felix (FW)
Key Factors Influencing the Game
Before placing any bets, consider the elements that could swing this qualifier. From player absences to current streaks, these details paint a fuller picture. I factor them in to refine predictions, drawing from how they’ve impacted past games.
- Hungary misses suspended Roland Sallai, weakening their attack;
- Portugal might rotate with Bernardo Silva returning, boosting creativity;
- Dominik Szoboszlai’s strong Liverpool form could inspire Hungary’s midfield;
- Cristiano Ronaldo’s 140 international goals make him a constant threat;
- Hungary’s recent form shows four losses in five before the draw, indicating fragility;
- Portugal rides a four-game win streak, full of confidence;
- No major scandals hover, but fatigue from midweek games lingers for both;
- Injuries are minimal beyond Sallai, yet Hungary’s defense conceded in most recent outings.
Free Tips on Hungary vs Portugal
To nail your bets on the Hungary vs Portugal clash, you need to lean on solid stats and trends that reveal how these teams stack up. This list zeros in on critical insights from past performances and team dynamics, tailored for the September 9, 2025, World Cup qualifier. Think of it as a playbook to spot where the edge lies in Budapest.
- Historical Edge in Direct Clashes: Portugal has won four of the last five head-to-heads against Hungary, including a 3-0 rout in 2021, suggesting they know how to handle this matchup.
- Home Crowd Boost for Hungary: The Puskás Aréna’s 67,000 fans could lift Hungary, who often raise their game at home, much like a boxer feeding off a roaring crowd.
- Portugal’s Away Scoring Prowess: Portugal’s 5-0 thrashing of Armenia away shows they don’t slow down on the road, consistently finding the net with ease.
- Referee’s Card Tendency: Erik Lambrechts averages moderate card counts, so expect a disciplined game, reducing the likelihood of chaotic, card-heavy bets.
- Pitch and Weather Impact: Budapest’s September weather is typically mild, and Puskás Aréna’s pristine grass pitch favors Portugal’s quick-passing style over Hungary’s more physical approach.
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Hungary vs Portugal Match Prediction 2025
Portugal should edge this one out, likely winning 2-1, given their superior form and historical dominance. Hungary has quality, especially at home with players like Szoboszlai pushing forward, but their defensive lapses, seen in recent games where they let leads slip, open doors for Portugal’s attackers. Ronaldo and Felix showed lethal finishing against Armenia, and with Martinez’s tactics emphasizing quick counters, they can exploit Hungary’s vulnerabilities on transitions. Compare that to Hungary’s mixed results, including heavy losses to Turkey, and it tips the scales. A draw feels possible if Hungary parks the bus effectively, yet Portugal’s depth, including Vitinha and Fernandes in midfield, provides too much firepower to contain for 90 minutes. Their Nations League success earlier this year adds motivation, aiming for a deep World Cup run, while Hungary hasn’t qualified since 1986, adding pressure but also desperation. In tight qualifiers like this, experience wins out, much like a veteran boxer outlasting a spirited challenger. Hungary vs Portugal odds reflect this, with Portugal favored, but value lies in backing them with both teams scoring, considering Hungary’s home threat. This setup mirrors past H2H where Portugal prevailed without clean sheets always. Ultimately, expect Portugal to grab three points, securing top spot in Group F early.
Our Prediction: Hungary 1-2 Portugal
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | Portugal Win | 1.49 |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.82 |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 | 1.66 |
Dive into the action and place your wagers wisely, as this matchup offers great potential for smart plays. Bet on match – Hungary vs Portugal you can make at bc.game.
