Portugal Nears World Cup Qualification with Imminent Victory
Following their recent victory over Ireland, Portugal is on the brink of securing World Cup qualification. The team won 1-0 against Ireland with a last-minute goal from Rúben Neves, marking his first international goal. This win places them in a strong position ahead of an upcoming match against Hungary.
Portugal’s Path to World Cup Qualification
To cement their spot in the 2026 World Cup, Portugal needs to defeat Hungary and also rely on Ireland, who must face Armenia. João Félix, who missed the match against Ireland due to injury, returned to training without restrictions and could participate in the Hungary game. Coach Roberto Martínez is fielding a squad of 23 players, as Gonçalo Inácio and Rafael Leão are sidelined due to injuries.
Historical Context
Historically, Hungary has been an easy opponent for Portugal, with the Portuguese team having secured nine victories and only one draw in ten official encounters. They have won all three home matches against Hungary by a score of 3-0.
Upcoming Match Details
- Date: Upcoming match against Hungary
- Time: 19:45
- Location: Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon
- Referee: Srdjan Jovanovic (Serbia)
A victory in this match would not only mean World Cup qualification but also a chance to set a record for the fastest qualification process in history. Portugal could match the four consecutive victories achieved during the 1966 World Cup qualification run.
Players to Watch
Cristiano Ronaldo stands at the forefront of this campaign. If he scores against Hungary, he could set a record as the highest scorer in World Cup qualification history. Meanwhile, Hungary aims to secure their first-ever victory against Portugal, which is critical for their aspirations to qualify for their first World Cup since 1986.
Current Group Standings
| Team | Points |
|---|---|
| Portugal | 9 |
| Hungary | 4 |
| Armenia | 3 |
| Republic of Ireland | 1 |
Portugal leads Group F by a significant margin. The group winner will earn a direct berth for the tournament taking place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year. The second-placed team will enter playoffs for a chance to qualify.
