The Republic of Ireland produced one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent qualifying history, beating Hungary 3–2 away to grab second place in Group F and book a World Cup playoff spot — thanks to a stunning Troy Parrott hat-trick capped by a 96th-minute winner.
Hungary, needing only a draw to secure qualification, led twice and looked in complete control. Ireland, who just days earlier shocked Portugal 2–0 in Dublin, arrived in Budapest knowing only a win would keep their 2026 World Cup dream alive.
But they found themselves behind within four minutes when Daniel Lukacs flicked in a clever short-corner routine from Dominik Szoboszlai. Parrott levelled from the spot on 15 minutes, but Barnabas Varga restored Hungary’s lead with a spectacular
chest-and-volley finish from outside the box just before halftime.
Ireland looked out of steam heading into the final stages — until Parrott dragged them back into it again. He equalised in the 80th minute, bursting through a tiring Hungarian backline to make it 2–2, setting up a chaotic finale.
Then, deep into stoppage time, came the moment that will live forever in Irish qualifying folklore.
A scramble in the box, a loose ball, and Parrott poked home his third of the night to complete the hat-trick and ignite bedlam among the travelling fans.
Troy Parrott, take your place on the pantheon of Irish greats 🇮🇪pic.twitter.com/KATKNMZO4g
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) November 16, 2025
The 22-year-old collapsed in tears at full-time.
“I will never have a better night in my life,” Parrott told RTÉ afterwards. “It’s a fairytale. You can’t even dream of something like this. My family is here… everyone is crying. This means the world to me.”
Ireland’s victory, combined with Portugal’s 9–1 demolition of Armenia, confirmed Roberto Martínez’s side as group winners and left Ireland three points behind them — and heading for the two-match knockout playoff route in March.
For a team that looked out of the running only weeks ago, three straight wins, including back-to-back statement victories over Portugal and Hungary, have reignited hope of their first World Cup appearance since 2002.
(with agency inputs)
