Qualification takes a turn
Last minute madness: Ireland knocks Hungary out of the World Cup
November 16, 2025 – 9:56 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Ireland had their backs against the wall in World Cup qualifying when the tide turned at the last minute. In the group final, a professional stood out – and stunned Hungary.
On the last matchday of World Cup qualifying group F, the starting position was clear: Hungary only needed a draw to secure second place behind Portugal. Ireland, on the other hand, had to win to book their playoff ticket for next year’s tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
For a long time everything pointed to a successful home game for the Hungarians. After just three minutes, Dominik Szoboszlai headed a cross to take the lead. Although Troy Parrott equalized a little later with a penalty (15th minute), Barnabás Varga restored the old gap with a remarkable volley from the turn (37th).
Ireland were behind at half-time, but hope still lived on. After the break, the guests intensified their attacking efforts, but were unsuccessful for a long time. It wasn’t until the 80th minute that a cross from Luke Azaz turned things around: Parrott escaped the defense and lofted the ball into the net to make it 2-2. The Hungarians came under increasing pressure, but defended themselves vigorously against the Irish final spurt.
Then the decision: In the sixth minute of injury time, a long ball from goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher landed indirectly at Parrott, who pushed the ball past Dénes Dibusz into the goal with his toe to make it 3-2. Stunning in the Hungarian stands, boundless celebration on the Irish bench.
With the last-minute win, Ireland overtook Hungary in the final table and moved into the playoffs as second in the group. Portugal, which previously beat Armenia 9-1, has qualified directly for the finals.
The man of the evening was undoubtedly Troy Parrott. The 23-year-old had already scored twice in the 2-0 win against Portugal on Thursday. In Budapest, the AZ Alkmaar striker once again became the match winner with three goals.
“I just can’t believe it,” he said afterwards on RTE Sport. “I love Ireland. I love football. This means everything to me. This is the first time I’ve cried in years. I don’t think I’ll ever have a better night.”
With three wins from their last three group games, Ireland managed a late turnaround. If the team also survives the playoffs, it would be their first World Cup participation since 2002.