The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers continue with one of the standout fixtures of Group F as Portugal travel to Budapest to face Hungary on 9 September 2025. With qualification spots up for grabs, both teams know the importance of this match.

Portugal come into the game in high spirits after thrashing Armenia 5–0, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice to extend his record-breaking tally. Hungary, meanwhile, have grown into a solid European side in recent years, capable of frustrating top nations with their compact defense and counter-attacking football.

Portugal: Form & Strengths

Portugal are unbeaten in the group and look dominant under their experienced core. With stars across all positions, they have the depth and quality to overwhelm most opponents.

Key Players:

Cristiano Ronaldo — fresh from reaching 140 international goals and 942 career goals, still Portugal’s talisman.

Bruno Fernandes — midfield orchestrator with vision and passing range.

Bernardo Silva — offers creativity and tactical flexibility.

Rúben Dias — defensive leader, crucial against Hungary’s physical forwards.

Portugal’s strength lies in their ability to combine experienced leaders with young talents like Rafael Leão and João Félix, ensuring both creativity and direct attacking threat.

Hungary: Form & Strengths

Hungary have steadily become one of the toughest sides to break down in Europe. They play with discipline, physicality, and are dangerous on transitions. Playing in front of their passionate home crowd at the Puskás Aréna, they will look to push Portugal to the limit.

Key Players:

Dominik Szoboszlai — captain and creative engine, capable of scoring from set-pieces or long-range.

Willi Orbán — rock in central defense, experienced against world-class strikers.

Péter Gulácsi — reliable goalkeeper, often Hungary’s savior in big matches.

Milos Kerkez — exciting left-back with pace and energy.

Hungary’s main challenge will be containing Ronaldo and Portugal’s midfield rotations while finding chances through Szoboszlai’s creativity.

Head-to-Head Record

Portugal dominate this fixture historically, with wins in Euro 2016 (a thrilling 3–3 draw), Euro 2020 (3–0 Portugal), and World Cup qualifiers.

Hungary have rarely beaten Portugal in competitive matches, but their resilience often makes the game tricky.

Tactical Preview

Portugal: Expect a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, with Ronaldo leading the line. Fullbacks like Cancelo/Dalot will push high, while Bruno Fernandes controls the midfield tempo. Their high pressing and fluid attack could stretch Hungary.

Hungary: Likely to adopt a 5-3-2 or compact 4-4-2. Orbán marshals the backline, Szoboszlai provides the spark, and they’ll target Portugal’s high line with quick counters.

Predicted Lineups – Portugal vs Hungary (9 Sept 2025)

Prediction & Betting Tips – Portugal vs Hungary

Portugal’s attacking quality and Ronaldo’s form make them favorites, but Hungary’s home advantage and resilience should not be underestimated. Expect a competitive game, but Portugal’s firepower may prove too much in Budapest.