World Cup Qualifiers: Ireland Win in Hungary and Reach Playoffs

Milan, Nov. 16 (LaPresse) – Ireland will be one of Italy’s possible opponents in the playoffs for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. On the final day of the group stage, the Irish national team beat Hungary 3-2 away, finishing second in Group F with 10 points, behind Portugal. The Hungarians finished third with 8 points. It was an incredible match at Budapest’s Puskás Aréna, with the home side (who needed only a draw to make the playoffs) leading 2-1 at halftime thanks to goals from Lukacs and Varga. Parrott equalized temporarily for Ireland with a penalty. The AZ Alkmaar striker became the absolute protagonist in the second half, scoring a stunning hat-trick to complete the comeback victory. The decisive 3-2 goal came in the 96th minute and secured Ireland’s spot in the playoffs.