Troy Parrott's 96th-minute winner completed his hat-trick as the Republic of Ireland defeated Hungary 3-2 in Budapest. The victory on Sunday propelled Ireland into the 2026 World Cup qualifying play-offs, finishing second in Group F behind Portugal. Hungary's hopes faded despite an early lead and a stunning goal from Barnabas Varga.
The match at Puskás Aréna kicked off at 9 a.m. ET, with Hungary taking the lead in the third minute when Daniel Lukacs headed in captain Dominik Szoboszlai's cross, confirmed after a VAR check. Ireland equalized in the 15th minute through Parrott's penalty, awarded after Attila Szalai clipped Chiedozie Ogbene inside the box. The AZ Alkmaar forward fired a low shot past Denes Dibusz, who guessed correctly but couldn't stop it.
Eight minutes before half-time, Barnabas Varga restored Hungary's advantage with a spectacular long-range strike, controlling the ball on his chest outside the box before swiveling and curling it into the top corner. Caoimhin Kelleher had earlier denied Roland Sallai with a brilliant save from Lukacs's cross.
In the second half, Ireland pushed for an equalizer. Adam Idah's deft lob was ruled out for offside, but Parrott leveled the score by coolly finishing Finn Azaz's chip inside the box. As added time ticked down, Dibusz saved from Johnny Kenny, but Parrott struck again in the 96th minute, prodding in from close range to seal a dramatic 3-2 win.
Ireland's starting XI included Caoimhin Kelleher in goal, with Jayson Molumby returning from suspension. Hungary, captained by Szoboszlai and featuring Milos Kerkez, made two changes with Alex Toth and Lukacs starting. The result pips Hungary to second place, with play-offs set for March 26 and 31, 2026. Ireland's last World Cup appearance was in 2002, while Hungary's was in 1986.