Republic of Ireland reach World Cup play-offs in dramatic fashion.
Hungary 2 - 3 Republic of Ireland
Troy Parrott completed his hat-trick with virtually the final kick of the match as the Republic of Ireland staged a remarkable comeback to reach the World Cup play-offs.
Author | Lee Francis
Stadium | Puskás Aréna
After reviving their hopes of a first finals appearance since 2002 with a superb 2-0 victory over Portugal on Thursday, Heimir Hallgrimsson’s team arrived in Budapest knowing only a win would be enough to secure their place.
Hungary struck early through Daniel Lukacs, whose header after four minutes gave the hosts the perfect start. Parrott levelled from the penalty spot, but Barnabas Varga restored Hungary’s advantage before half-time with a fierce effort.
The second half unfolded with mounting tension. Parrott’s delicate finish 10 minutes from the end breathed life back into Ireland’s challenge.
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Substitute Johnny Kenny was then frustrated by goalkeeper Denes Dibusz, yet Ireland refused to relent. Deep into added time, Parrott, already the matchwinner against Portugal, reacted quickest to turn in the decisive goal in the 96th minute, prompting wild celebrations at a silenced Puskas Arena.
It proved a crushing blow for Hungary, led by their captain Dominik Szoboszlai, as their long wait for a World Cup finals return, stretching back to 1986, continues.
Portugal swept aside Armenia 9-1 in the group’s other fixture, securing top spot and confirming their place at next year’s tournament in North America.
Parrott was again the hero
This is what football is all about.pic.twitter.com/RjTTaTzMd9
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That the Republic of Ireland were even in contention for a play-off place next March felt extraordinary in itself.
After taking only a single point from their opening three fixtures, including a dispiriting defeat to Armenia, their campaign appeared to be drifting. Home wins over Armenia and Portugal revived belief, yet with ninety minutes to negotiate in Budapest, they made life difficult with an anxious start.
As in the reverse fixture in September, they conceded early. Lukacs’ header stood after a VAR check for offside and Ireland were left to chase the game once again.
Their reaction was impressive. Parrott stroked in a composed penalty after Chiedozie Ogbene was brought down by Attila Szalai, offering a swift route back into the contest.
Hungary regained control through a sharp left-footed strike from Varga, who restored their path towards the play-offs. Ireland, though, were determined to disrupt the narrative.
There were signs of fatigue after their exertions against Portugal, but the visitors continued to push, with Adam Idah seeing an effort chalked off for offside.
Parrott’s timing then proved decisive. He held his run to clip a deft finish over Dibusz, and in the dying seconds reacted smartly to steer in Liam Scales’ flick, triggering wild celebrations among the travelling supporters. His treble made him the first Republic of Ireland player to score a hat-trick in a competitive international since Robbie Keane in 2014.
Who's out tonight? đź•ş pic.twitter.com/ad25F5B6fK
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) November 16, 2025
For Parrott, it marked the finest week of his career. With Evan Ferguson sidelined, the AZ Alkmaar forward had stunned Portugal with a brace and surpassed that feat in Budapest to keep Ireland’s hopes intact.
Caoimhin Kelleher also deserved recognition. The Brentford goalkeeper has been Ireland’s most dependable performer throughout the campaign and produced vital stops to deny Roland Sallai twice, ensuring the platform for Parrott’s late heroics.
