World Cup Qualifier Prediction: Hungary vs Portugal, 01:45 on September 10th: Maintaining the Winning Streak

TPO - Football match preview: Hungary vs Portugal, Group F, 2026 World Cup qualifiers, European zone, 01:45 on September 10th - Team news, expected lineups, form, and head-to-head history. Hungary has many quality players in their squad, promising a dramatic match. However, with their superior attacking power, Portugal is still considered the favorite and is likely to leave with all 3 points.

Pre-match analysis

Portugal will travel to Hungary aiming for their second consecutive victory in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. In their opening match, Roberto Martinez's side had a perfect start, thrashing Armenia 5-0 to take the top spot in Group F. Conversely, Hungary suffered a disappointing 2-2 draw against the Republic of Ireland, despite leading 2-0 after just 15 minutes.

Hungary has a glorious past, having finished as World Cup runners-up twice (1938, 1954) and reaching the quarter-finals twice (1962, 1966). However, nearly 40 years have passed since their last appearance at the biggest football tournament on the planet, since Mexico 1986. Therefore, this qualifying round is of particular importance.

In the last three EURO tournaments, Hungary has qualified but has yet to make a significant impact, and competing directly with Portugal in Group F will certainly be a huge challenge.

Meanwhile, the European Selecao are showing a strong comeback. Against Armenia, Joao Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo both scored braces, while Joao Cancelo scored the winning goal.

Ronaldo, who has reached the milestone of 140 international goals, remains an endless source of inspiration for the Portuguese national team. Although not considered a strong contender for the World Cup title, Portugal, with its star-studded squad across all three lines, still has the potential to go far.

The EURO 2016 champions also added the Nations League title to their trophy cabinet earlier this year and are currently on a four-match winning streak across all competitions.

A victory against Hungary would help coach Martinez's team solidify their position at the top of the group, while also affirming Cristiano Ronaldo's ambition to participate in what could be the last World Cup of his career.

Form, head-to-head history

The two teams are in significantly different form. Hungary has only won 1 of their last 6 matches, while Portugal has won 3 of their last 6 matches (within 90 minutes of regular time).

Historically, Portugal holds a clear advantage with 10 wins and 4 draws in 14 encounters since their first meeting in December 1926. In their most recent meeting in June 2021, the "Selecao" easily defeated Hungary 3-0.

Force information

Hungary will be without Roland Sallai due to suspension after receiving a red card in the second half of the match against Ireland. Barna Toth is likely to be given the opportunity to start in his place.

Dominik Szoboszlai is having a fantastic start to the season with Liverpool and will continue to be the midfield maestro for Hungary when they face Portugal.

On the visitors' side, coach Martinez is likely to make only one change from the match against Armenia, with Bernardo Silva returning to the starting lineup, replacing Pedro Neto.

Cristiano Ronaldo increased his goalscoring tally for the national team to a record 140 goals after scoring a brace against Armenia. At 40 years old, he will still be the spearhead of Portugal's attack in the match against Hungary.

Predicted lineup

Hungary: Dibusz; Nego, Orban, Szalai, Kerkez; Styles; Bolla, A. Toth, Szoboszlai, B. Toth; Varga

Portugal: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; J. Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes; B. Silva, Ronaldo, Felix

Predicted score: Hungary 1-2 Portugal

Source: https://tienphong.vn/nhan-dinh-vong-loai-world-cup-hungary-vs-bo-dao-nha-01h45-ngay-109-duy-tri-mach-thang-post1776567.tpo