Ireland host Hungary at Aviva to open Group F 2026 qualifying

The Republic of Ireland host Hungary at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday evening in the opening match of Group F's 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, with kick-off scheduled for 7.45pm local time. Both nations arrive with the explicit target of finishing second behind favourites Portugal and securing a place in the playoff route to the finals.

Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson said he is confident in his squad, telling reporters this week, "The quality in this team is big, it is bigger than when I had Iceland, and we achieved what we did. The team building thing is what gives me confidence." The manager has been finalising selection after a mixed summer that included a 1-1 draw with Senegal and a 0-0 draw away to Luxembourg. The squad has been affected by injuries; long-serving left back Robbie Brady remains sidelined, and Troy Parrott has withdrawn, prompting the call-up of Johnny Kenny. Liam Scales returned to full training after a knock and is available for selection.

Goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher is expected to start after his summer move to Brentford, with Gavin Bazunu named as backup. Evan Ferguson, whose form at Roma has boosted his international prospects, is...