The Republic of Ireland have secured a second-place finish in Group F of the 2026 World Cup qualifications and a place in the playoffs, winning their last game of the campaign away to Hungary in a stunning fashion.
It was imperative for the Irish to win this game, but they fell behind within three minutes as Daniel Lukacs put the hosts ahead. Troy Parrott equalized from the spot in the 15th minute, only to see his team go down again to Barnabas Varga’s strike for Hungary in the 37th.
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men fought back through the second half, and Parrott eventually struck again with 10 minutes left on the clock.
It still wasn’t enough for Ireland, of course, but the AZ Alkmaar striker wasn’t done just yet.
90+5mins: ðŸ‡ðŸ‡º 2-3 🇮🇪
Ireland holds its breath, on the last throw of the dice… Hattrick for Parrott 😮😮😮😮😮😮😮
📺 @rte2 @rteplayer https://t.co/xaKTb2LBVG
📻 @rteradio1 https://t.co/PEszeaDYyf
📱Updates: https://t.co/TC5xt2IxRd pic.twitter.com/Ags3WrAwOz
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) November 16, 2025
