Portugal vs. Hungary—2026 World Cup Qualifier: Preview, Predictions and Lineups

One more victory in Group F could be enough for Portugal to secure their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and they take on Hungary in their final October outing on Tuesday.

Roberto Martinez’s side left it late again to notch another victory in qualifying at the weekend, as Rúben Neves headed home in second-half stoppage time to seal a 1–0 win over the Republic of Ireland.

As a result, the Iberians have taken full command of Group F with three matchdays remaining. They’re already five points clear of their upcoming opponents in second, having edged the reverse fixture 3–2 last month.

Hungary moved into the playoff spot by virtue of a 2–0 win over the lowly Armenia. They were utterly dominant on home soil, with some commentators likening the fluidity with which they performed in possession to a bygone era of Hungarian football.

Marco Rossi’s side have grown familiar with Portugal in recent years, and now they’re aiming to secure a stunning statement victory.

Here’s Sports Illustrated’s guide to this World Cup qualifier.

Portugal vs. Hungary Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)Current Form (All Competitions)

Rúben Neves was Portugal’s match-winner last time out. / Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images

João Cancelo was the match-winner when these two teams met last month, but the versatile fullback is absent from Martinez’s October squad due to an injury.

While there are seemingly no fresh fitness concerns from the hard-fought win over Ireland, Portugal did lose João Neves in the buildup to Saturday’s game. Rúben Neves partnered Vitinha in the PSG star’s absence, and the Al Hilal midfielder will likely start again here.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty miss amid goalless 90 minutes at the weekend won’t prevent him from retaining his place, but there could be a change at center back for Hungary’s visit. Renato Veiga replaced Gonçalo Inácio at half-time against Ireland, and could come into the starting XI on Tuesday.

Martinez will limit the changes from the side that edged past Ireland at the weekend. / FotMob

Portugal predicted lineup vs Hungary (4-2-3-1): Costa; Semedo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Vitinha, Neves; B. Silva, Fernandes, Leão; Ronaldo.

Barnabás Varga was unavailable for the 2–0 win over Hungary. / PAUL FAITH/AFP via Getty Images

Rossi will be able to call upon two attacking stalwarts for Tuesday’s qualifier in Lisbon, with Barnabás Varga and Roland Sallai available again. The pair weren’t in action against Armenia.

However, Dániel Lukács’s performance and goal on Saturday may be enough for him to keep his place up top, meaning there may be just one spot open for either Varga or Sallai.

Liverpool duo Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez are the two biggest names in the Hungary squad, while RB Leipzig’s Willi Orban will marshal the defence.

Hungary have two key attackers available for Tuesday’s game. / FotMob

Hungary predicted lineup vs. Portugal (4-4-2): B. Toth; Nego, Orban, Szalai, Kerkez; Bolla, Styles, Schäfer, Szoboszlai; Lukács, Varga.

Hungary are unlikely to ever produce a ’Mighty Magyar’-like generation again, but there’s no denying that this is their strongest team in decades. They’ve got a good chance of qualifying for their first World Cup since 1986, and it feels like a victory over one of Europe’s major nations is on the horizon.

They played Portugal close last month and should be competitive again in Lisbon, with the hosts huffing and puffing against an inferior Irish outfit on Saturday. Hungary’s stubbornness and cohesion will cause them problems, but the hosts have been able to find ways to win throughout this qualifying campaign.

They’ll do so again here.

Prediction: Portugal 2–1 HungaryREAD THE LATEST SOCCER NEWS, TRANSFER RUMORS AND MATCH REACTION