Portugal will travel to Budapest on Tuesday night with the aim of making it two wins from two in their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign, as Roberto Martinez’s side look to build early momentum in Group F. Their opening fixture against Armenia was a statement of intent—an emphatic 5-0 victory that showcased not only their attacking firepower but also the tactical clarity Martinez has begun to instill since taking over the reins. The Selecao were ruthless, efficient, and composed, with Joao Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo both netting braces, while Joao Cancelo added a fifth to cap off a dominant performance. That result propelled Portugal to the top of the group and reaffirmed their status as overwhelming favorites to finish first. Yet, as they prepare to face Hungary, a side with historical pedigree and recent resilience, the challenge becomes more nuanced. Hungary may not possess the same depth of talent, but they are a team capable of unsettling more illustrious opponents, especially on home soil.
Hungary’s campaign began with a dramatic 2-2 draw against the Republic of Ireland—a match that encapsulated both their promise and their vulnerability. Barnabas Varga and Roland Sallai struck early, giving Hungary a 2-0 lead within the first 15 minutes, and for a while, it seemed they would cruise to victory. But football is a game of moments, and Hungary’s inability to manage the game in its latter stages proved costly. Ireland clawed their way back, and in the third minute of stoppage time, Adam Idah delivered a gut-punch equalizer. The draw was a missed opportunity for Hungary, who now face the daunting task of containing a Portuguese side brimming with confidence and attacking flair. Compounding their challenge is the absence of Roland Sallai, suspended after receiving a red card in the second half of that match. Sallai’s suspension robs Hungary of one of their most experienced and dynamic forwards, forcing manager Marco Rossi to reshuffle his attacking options.
Barna Toth is expected to step into the void left by Sallai, and while the 22-year-old has shown promise, he lacks the international experience of his predecessor. Toth’s inclusion could alter Hungary’s attacking shape, potentially shifting them toward a more direct style of play, relying on quick transitions and set pieces to trouble Portugal’s back line. The midfield, however, remains Hungary’s strongest asset, anchored by the increasingly influential Dominik Szoboszlai. The Liverpool midfielder has started the season in scintillating form, and his ability to dictate tempo, deliver incisive passes, and strike from distance makes him Hungary’s most potent weapon. Szoboszlai will be tasked with orchestrating Hungary’s attacks and providing service to Varga and Toth, while also tracking Portugal’s midfield runners—a dual responsibility that will test his stamina and discipline.
Historically, Hungary’s national team evokes memories of a golden era long past. Twice runners-up at the World Cup—in 1938 and 1954—they were once considered among the elite of world football. The 1954 side, led by the legendary Ferenc Puskás, remains one of the most revered teams in football history, despite their shock defeat to West Germany in the final. Hungary also reached the quarter-finals in 1962 and 1966, but since their last World Cup appearance in 1986, they have struggled to recapture that former glory. Their recent qualification for three consecutive European Championships—2016, 2020, and 2024—suggests a slow but steady resurgence, though they failed to progress beyond the group stage in the latter two tournaments. This World Cup cycle represents another opportunity to reassert themselves on the global stage, but with Portugal in their group, the margin for error is slim.
Portugal, by contrast, are a team in transition but with no shortage of ambition. The Selecao das Quinas have never won the World Cup, though they came close in 1966, finishing third behind England and West Germany. More recently, they reached the semi-finals in 2006 and the quarter-finals in 2022, but the elusive title remains a dream. Their triumph at Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles have added silverware to their cabinet, yet the World Cup remains the ultimate prize. Roberto Martinez, formerly of Belgium, has inherited a squad rich in talent and experience. His challenge is to blend the old guard—led by the indomitable Cristiano Ronaldo—with the new generation, including Joao Felix, Rafael Leao, and Goncalo Ramos. The early signs are promising. Portugal are on a run of four consecutive wins in all competitions, and their performance against Armenia was a masterclass in attacking efficiency.
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy time and expectation. At 40 years old, he remains Portugal’s focal point in attack, and his brace against Armenia took his international tally to a staggering 140 goals. His presence is more than symbolic; he still delivers in key moments, and his leadership galvanizes the squad. Ronaldo’s role has evolved—he no longer sprints down the flanks or presses relentlessly—but his positional intelligence and finishing ability remain unmatched. Alongside him, Joao Felix has rediscovered his form, thriving in a more central role where his creativity and movement can flourish. Felix’s brace in the opener was a reminder of his potential, and with Bernardo Silva likely to return to the starting XI in place of Pedro Neto, Portugal’s attack will be both fluid and unpredictable. Bernardo’s vision and technical quality add another layer to Portugal’s build-up play, and his partnership with Bruno Fernandes in midfield could be decisive.
Defensively, Portugal will rely on the experience of Ruben Dias and the versatility of Joao Cancelo, who not only scored in the opener but also provided width and dynamism from full-back. Martinez’s system encourages full-backs to push high, creating overloads and stretching the opposition. Against Hungary, this could be particularly effective, especially if the hosts sit deep and attempt to frustrate. The midfield trio of Fernandes, Silva, and William Carvalho offers balance—creativity, control, and defensive cover. Portugal’s ability to dominate possession and dictate tempo will be crucial, especially in an away fixture where the crowd could play a role in unsettling rhythm.
The historical head-to-head between these two nations favors Portugal, who have won 10 and drawn four of their 14 meetings with Hungary. Their first encounter dates back to December 1926, and the most recent clash—a 3-0 win for Portugal in June 2021—showcased the gulf in class. Yet, football is not played in history books, and Hungary will be determined to rewrite the narrative. Their home form has been solid, and with Szoboszlai pulling the strings, they will believe they can cause problems. The key for Hungary will be to stay compact, limit space between the lines, and exploit set pieces. Portugal’s high defensive line can be vulnerable to quick counters, and Hungary must be clinical if chances arise.
This fixture is more than a qualification match—it is a litmus test for both sides. For Portugal, it is an opportunity to consolidate their position at the top of Group F and continue building toward a World Cup campaign that could be Ronaldo’s swan song. For Hungary, it is a chance to prove they belong among Europe’s competitive nations and to keep their qualification hopes alive. The tactical battle between Martinez and Rossi will be fascinating—Martinez’s possession-based, expansive style versus Rossi’s pragmatic, counter-attacking approach. The midfield duel between Fernandes and Szoboszlai could define the game’s rhythm, while the defensive resilience of Hungary will be tested by Portugal’s relentless movement and technical superiority.
As the teams prepare to take the pitch, the narratives are rich with possibility. Will Portugal’s golden generation finally deliver on the world stage? Can Hungary rekindle the spirit of their storied past and defy the odds? The answers will begin to unfold in Budapest, under the floodlights, where history meets ambition and where every pass, tackle, and goal carries the weight of a nation’s hopes. With stars on both sides and stakes that transcend the scoreboard, this is a fixture that promises drama, intensity, and moments that could shape the road to 2026.
