Ireland Stage Dramatic Comeback to Draw 2-2 with Hungary in World Cup Qualifier Opener

Dramatic Evening at the Aviva Stadium

In a thrilling World Cup 2026 qualifier match at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, the Republic of Ireland mounted an impressive comeback to secure a 2-2 draw against Hungary, with Adam Idah’s stoppage-time header salvaging a point after the visitors were reduced to ten men following Roland Sallai’s dismissal.

First Half Dominance by Hungary

The first half saw Ireland struggling to find their rhythm, with the hosts being severely punished for an error-filled opening 15 minutes that resulted in two well-taken goals by the visitors. Hungary’s captain Dominik Szoboszlai proved instrumental in their early dominance, showcasing his abilities as the team’s playmaker by controlling the game’s pace and creating precise passing opportunities.

Irish Resurgence

The tide began to turn for Ireland when Evan Ferguson found the net in the 49th minute, scoring his sixth international goal in his 23rd appearance. The game’s momentum shifted dramatically when Sallai received a straight red card for a dangerous high tackle from behind on O’Shea, leading to heightened tensions on the field.

Historical Context and Future Implications

This match marked the beginning of both teams’ World Cup qualifying campaigns, with Hungary entering the contest as the higher-seeded team. Despite Hungary’s recent form showing only one victory in their previous six matches, their recent achievements include qualifying for the last three consecutive European Championships, though they haven’t reached a World Cup since 1986.

The road ahead remains challenging for both teams in their quest to secure one of the 16 UEFA spots for the 2026 World Cup, with automatic qualification reserved for the 12 group winners.