Portugal continues their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign on Tuesday when it travels to Budapest to face Hungary at the Puskás Arena. Kickoff is set for 19:45 Portugal time.

Roberto Martínez’s side enters the match full of confidence after a commanding 5-0 victory over Armenia, highlighted by braces from Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix, along with a goal from João Cancelo. The Seleção dominated throughout, sending a clear message of intent to the rest of Group F.

Hungary, meanwhile, come in under pressure after letting a 2-0 lead slip against the Republic of Ireland in a 2-2 draw. Adding to their troubles, attacker Roland Sallai is suspended following his red card in that match.

History favors Portugal, which is unbeaten in competitive fixtures against Hungary with eight wins and one draw. The Hungarians have not qualified for a World Cup since 1986, while Portugal arrives in Budapest riding strong momentum, having lifted the Nations League and starting qualifiers in perfect fashion.

Portugal will aim to replicate the attacking intensity they displayed in Yerevan by striking early and controlling possession. Hungary, on the other hand, are expected to sit deep, defend resolutely, and hope to capitalize on rare counterattacking opportunities against a superior opponent.

With Ronaldo in red-hot form and Portugal boasting superior depth, Martínez’s men will be strong favorites, but Hungary will be desperate to deliver a statement performance at home.

As usual, Cristiano was one of the big topics at the pre-match press conference..

“He lives day to day like a young player playing for the first time,” said Martinez.

“The way he dedicates himself, the freshness he has every day. He’s a winner. He’s hungry to be the best.”

“I’ve already talked a lot about what he conveys, but these aren’t aspects of the future; they’re aspects of everyday life,” Martinez said. “What it means to wear the [Portugal] jersey is the captain’s message in the locker room; it helps a lot.”

Hungary possible lineup:

Dibusz; Nego, Orban, Szalai, Kerkez; Styles; Bolla, A Toth, Szoboszlai, B Toth; Vargas

Portugal possible lineup:

Diogo Costa; Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes; Bernardo Silva , Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix

 

⚽ WCQ x
11:45 LA/San Jose/Vancouver
14:45 Toronto/NYC/Boston
19:45 /London
20:45 Paris/Johannesburg
4:45 Sydney

RTP 1
ViX
DAZN
SS Max 3
Stan Sport
Poisat Sp 3
TV2 Play

— PortugueseSoccer.com ⚽️ (@PsoccerCOM) September 9, 2025