Hungary vs Northern Ireland Predictions

• Northern Ireland are the only side in the Nations League yet to concede
• Hungary have won only two of their last nine competitive home games
• Across their last 15 games, NI’s only defeats have come against France, Italy, Germany and Slovakia

Solid NI look to keep Hungary at bay

Northern Ireland are the only team that has yet to concede across all levels of the Nations League this year, and another clean sheet would see them earn promotion to the top tier.

Michael O’Neill’s side beat Ukraine 1-0 on Saturday night, which kept them top of their group, a point clear of Tuesday’s opponents, Hungary.

The hope for this young NI side coming into the campaign was a top-two finish, which would secure a place in pot two when the Euro 2028 qualifying draw is made in Belfast next month. O’Neill’s side have already guaranteed second place at worst, but they’re a point away from joining Spain, France and Germany in the top tier in 2028.

Hungary opened with a 1-0 home defeat to Ukraine, and they followed that with a goalless draw at Windsor Park three days later. NI did a good job of containing Hungary in that stalemate, restricting them to a single shot on target.

Since the start of 2024, Hungary have won only two of nine competitive home matches. Among their slip-ups in that time was a 3-2 defeat to the Republic of Ireland in a must-win contest this time last year.

Since their opening World Cup qualifier in September 2025, Northern Ireland’s defeats have come at the hands of France, Italy, Germany and Slovakia. This group looks to be improving with every game, and their solid defensive record suggests they can secure a point in Budapest.