We offer our best bets for Sunday's crucial World Cup qualifier between Hungary and the Republic of Ireland in Budapest.
Amid talk of revamping the European qualifying campaign to add more jeopardy, Group F is delivering plenty of tension ahead of Sunday’s final round of fixtures.
The Republic of Ireland blew the group wide open with a 2-0 victory over Portugal on Thursday. The third-placed Irish could jump into top spot on the final day, as they’re three points shy of a Portugal side that head to Armenia with Cristiano Ronaldo suspended.
The Irish will be in Budapest to meet Hungary, with the pair split by just a point.
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side need to win in order to jump into second, which would send them into March’s play-off. Hungary’s only wins in qualifying have come against Armenia, which could open the door for the visitors.
Hungary vs Republic of Ireland Bet Builder
Draw @ 23/10
Both teams to score @ 1/1
Barnabas Varga to score anytime @ 7/4
Finn Azaz 1+ shot on target @ 1/1
Pays out at 20/1
Group rivals set to share the spoils
While this is a must-win game for the Irish, a point is enough to get Hungary into the play-offs. Unless Portugal struggle to get a result in Armenia, there’s little reason for the hosts to pour forward.
The visitors have suffered defeats in both of their away trips in this group, while they’ve won only one of their last six away internationals.
The Irish have produced improved displays in wins over Armenia and Portugal in their last two games, while Hungary have drawn two and lost once against Ireland and Portugal so far. That makes a draw an appealing opening leg to this bet builder.
Leg 1: Draw @ 23/10
Irish need to win can lead to open contest
Hungary aren’t exactly a solid side, as they’ve conceded 16 times in their nine matches in 2025. The hosts also shipped 11 goals in six matches in last Autumn’s Nations League campaign.
These two sides drew 2-2 in Dublin, while Hungary’s only clean sheets this year have come in their wins over Armenia.
The Irish will need to push forward at some point as this is a must-win game for them, so both teams to score holds plenty of appeal.
Leg 2: Both teams to score @ 1/1
Varga a player in form
Barnabas Varga scored two minutes into the clash between these sides in Dublin, while he netted the winner against Armenia in midweek.
The Ferencvaros forward has scored in six of his last seven appearances for club and country, while he has struck in three of his four World Cup qualifying appearances, netting four times in total.
Varga scored twice in Hungary’s home defeat to Portugal in September and he’s backed to continue his good form.
Leg 3: Barnabas Varga to score anytime @ 7/4
Azaz to chance his arm
The Irish should have Finn Azaz playing in support on Thursday’s hero Troy Parrott on Sunday. Azaz leads the side in shots per 90 minutes with 2.3, while he has averaged 1.1 shots on target in this campaign.
Azaz has recorded at least one shot on target in all four of his qualifying appearances, so the final leg of this 20/1 bet builder is for the Southampton ace to work the opposition goalkeeper at least once.
Leg 4: Finn Azaz 1+ shot on target @ 1/1
