Portugal were the big winners from matchday one in Group F of World Cup qualification (WCQ) as they thumped Armenia, but a trip to Hungary represents a much trickier proposition.
Match News and Current Form
Hungary ought to have been tied with Portugal on three points at the Group F summit, but a second-half implosion saw them surrender a 2-0 lead in a 2-2 draw with the Republic of Ireland. It certainly wasn’t an ideal start to their WCQ campaign as they push to reach a first World Cup finals since 1986, and it adds an element of pressure ahead of hosting the group’s highest-ranked side. It’s pressure Marco Rossi’s men could certainly do without at the moment, not least because they’ve only won one of their last seven internationals (D2, L4), with all four defeats coming against sides who, like Portugal, are ranked above them by FIFA.
Portugal’s matchday one game could scarcely have gone much better, with their 5-0 victory against Armenia serving as their joint-largest margin of victory since September 2023, helped by another two goals from the evergreen Cristiano Ronaldo. Such a handsome win kept the momentum going for Portugal, who triumphed in the Nations League in June’s international window and now have their eyes firmly fixed on securing a seventh successive World Cup finals appearance ahead of co-hosting the tournament in 2030. It would be hard to back against the feel-good factor continuing on the road either, as Portugal are unbeaten in their last nine WCQ away games (W7, D2).
Head-to-Head History
Portugal have dominated this H2H fixture down the years, avoiding defeat in all 14 prior meetings (W10, D4) and winning seven of the last eight such games.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Hungary are winless in their last five games in Budapest (D3, L2).
Four of Hungary’s five games in 2025 saw at least two first-half goals.
Portugal have kept a clean sheet in seven of their last nine WCQ away games.
Portugal have scored before half-time in six of their last seven WCQ matches held anywhere.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
A Dominik Szoboszlai goal could be a good omen for Hungary as they’re unbeaten in his last 12 scoring appearances (W10, D2). João Félix has opened the scoring on his last three international scoring appearances, including against Armenia, and Portugal have never lost when he’s netted (W9, D1).
Hungary will be without Roland Sallai after his red card against Ireland, while Portugal will be without Diogo Dalot, who pulled out of the squad just before the Armenia win.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
The visitors have all the momentum here, and given their formidable form on the road in WCQ action, backing a Portugal win with a -1 handicap could be where the value is.
Author: Chris Wilson