• The Republic of Ireland were last at the World Cup in 2002

• Hungary's last World Cup appearance was back in 1986

• Recommended bet: Evan Ferguson anytime goalscorer

Qualifying for the 2026 World Cup begins for two nations at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday night, when the Republic of Ireland take on Hungary.

With Portugal and Armenia the other two teams in Group F, the result of this contest in the Irish capital could prove crucial to either side's chances of finishing in the top two.

Team news

The Republic of Ireland have been hit by the withdrawal of in-form striker Troy Parrott, who has scored 10 goals in seven games for AZ Alkmaar this season.

Swansea's new signing Adam Idah is expected to be given the nod up front alongside Roma loanee Evan Ferguson, while Caoimhin Kelleher should keep the gloves ahead of Gavin Bazunu.

As for Hungary, Daniel Lukacs, Rajmund Molnar, Barna Toth, and Bence Otvos have been handed their maiden senior call-ups and the quartet will be hopeful of playing some part.

Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai, whose stunning free-kick earned the Reds a 1-0 win over Arsenal before the international break, will line up in midfield.

The latest Republic of Ireland vs Hungary odds are available on LiveScore Bet

The stats

Ireland are on a four-game unbeaten streak, a run which started with victories over Bulgaria both home and away in their Nations League play-off.

The Boys in Green are unbeaten in their last three internationals at the Aviva Stadium and have won their last two home encounters with Hungary.

Heimir Hallgrimsson's side have scored at least once in four of their last six fixtures.

Since the 2024 European Championship, Hungary have won just two of their 10 matches.

This disappointing run included a 6-1 aggregate defeat to Turkey in the Nations League, seeing them suffer relegation from League A.

Hungary have failed to win any of their last six meetings with Ireland, losing three and drawing three.

Prediction

Ireland have been making steady progress under Hallgrimsson and if they are to stand any chance of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, they will need to pick up positive results at home.

The Boys in Green will fancy their chances of getting the better of a Hungary side who are lacking confidence and have failed to get back to the standards shown prior to Euro 2024.

While there is still plenty of quality in this Hungarian squad, they have also proven to be poor travellers and it is hard to back them to get the job done, but Ireland are also not the most reliable of teams, making this a tough one to call.

Instead, the better play looks to be siding with Ireland forward Ferguson, on loan at Serie A outfit Roma this season, to get on the scoresheet at any time.

The 20-year-old has been a good source of international goals, especially at home where he has netted in two of his last three outings at the Aviva Stadium.

If the likes of Finn Azaz and Mikey Johnston can provide good service, then Ferguson looks capable of taking one of those chances and adding to his international tally.

Back Evan Ferguson to score at any time at 14/5 with LiveScore Bet

The latest Republic of Ireland vs Hungary odds are available on LiveScore Bet