The Matchday 6 World Cup 2026 qualifier between Hungary and Portugal will take place on September 9 at the Puskás Arena in Budapest. Hungary vs. Portugal: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Hungary
The first round in Group F went as expected, with Portugal confidently leading the group, while Hungary, playing away, shared points with Ireland (2-2). Marco Rossi's team could have secured all three points, but after leading 2-0, they conceded a decisive goal in the 93rd minute. Nonetheless, Hungary's winless streak in World Cup qualification now stands at four matches (2 wins and 2 draws).
- Hungary has conceded in 8 of their last 9 World Cup qualification matches.
- At least 3 goals have been scored in 4 of Hungary's last 5 home matches in this tournament.
- In their last 14 home World Cup qualification matches, Hungary has suffered only 4 defeats (8 wins and 2 draws).
Predicted lineup for Hungary (4-5-1)
Dénes Dibusz – Willi Orbán, Loïc Négo, Milos Kerkez, Attila Szalai – Callum Styles, Roland Sallai, Bendegúz Bolla, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alex Tóth – Barnabás Varga.
Forward Roland Sallai will miss the match due to suspension.
Portugal
Roberto Martinez's team demonstrated their dominance in the group from the start. In their first qualifying match, Portugal thrashed Armenia 5-0 away from home, scoring all five goals within the first hour of play. This marked Portugal's third consecutive victory in World Cup qualification.
- At least 3 goals have been scored in 8 of Portugal's last 10 World Cup qualification matches.
- In their last 20 matches in this tournament, Portugal has secured 17 wins (2 draws and 1 loss).
- Portugal's unbeaten away streak stands at 9 matches (7 wins and 2 draws).
Predicted lineup for Portugal (4-3-3)
Diogo Costa – Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Mendes, João Cancelo – Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes, João Neves – Vitinha, João Félix, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Defender Diogo Dalot is sidelined due to injury.
Referee
Erik Lambrechts (Belgium)
Matches – 10 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 33;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.3;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 10%.
Hungary vs. Portugal: Match Prediction
Over the past 16 years, these teams have faced each other six times at the official level. Portugal emerged victorious on five occasions, with one match ending in a high-scoring draw. Given Portugal's current form, I believe the visitors will prevail once more in this encounter.
Hungary has decent home statistics in World Cup qualification, but victories have only come against weaker opponents. Against solid mid-tier teams and Europe's top sides, Hungary tends to falter. Meanwhile, Portugal consistently wins away matches, not just against underdogs but also against mid-tier teams – in their last 9 away World Cup qualification matches, they have secured 7 wins and 2 draws.
My prediction – Portugal to win
