On Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 14:00 UTC, Puskás Aréna in Budapest will host a match that could define a generation of Irish football. With nothing left to play for but survival, Republic of Ireland faces Hungary in a do-or-die 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification match — their final chance to snatch a playoff spot. And as the nation holds its breath, former England international and Paddy Power football ambassador Joseph John Cole has dropped his boldest prediction yet: a 2-1 Irish victory.
The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever
This isn’t just another qualifier. Ireland’s campaign, once written off after early losses, was resurrected by a stunning 2-2 comeback against Hungary on September 6, 2025. Trailing 2-0 at halftime — goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Andras Schäfer — the Irish squad clawed back with a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer from substitute Ida. That result, described by fans as "the best outcome you could ask for," left Ireland in second place, just one point behind Hungary and one ahead of Armenia — the only other team still mathematically alive for the playoff. Now, with Hungary having just edged Armenia 1-0 in their last outing, the pressure is on Ireland to replicate their resilience. Lose, and their World Cup dreams evaporate. Win, and they leapfrog into the playoff bracket, setting up a tense two-leg tie against Armenia. No margin for error. No second chances.Cole’s Bold Bet: Ireland 2-1
Joseph John Cole, who played for Chelsea, Liverpool, and England’s national team, didn’t hold back in his analysis for Paddy Power. "I did not see that win over Portugal coming!" he said, referencing Ireland’s shock 1-0 triumph over the 2024 European champions. "An unbelievable performance against a team that could be among the favourites to win the World Cup next summer... It sets this one up perfectly." His 17/1 Bet Builder — a multi-leg wager combining outcomes — hinges on Ireland winning 2-1. "The World Cup will be a better place with the Irish there next summer," he added, his tone laced with genuine belief. He pointed to the team’s newfound grit and highlighted a key attacking threat: the player who scored the late equalizer against Portugal, now with 11 shots on target in qualifying — a clear nod to Shane Duffy or Callum O’Dowda, though not explicitly named.The Alternative: Cunneen’s 27/1 Play
While Cole backs the win, fellow Paddy Power analyst Andrew Cunneen offered a more cautious 27/1 Bet Builder: Ireland and Draw (Double Chance), Under 2.5 Goals, Seamus Coleman to be booked, Barnabás Varga to have 2+ Shots on Target. It’s a reflection of the tactical tightrope both teams will walk. Seamus John Coleman, the 36-year-old Irish fullback born in Derry, is playing his last major tournament. "He knows this is it," Cunneen noted. "You can guarantee he’ll be taking a yellow card late when Ireland push up and someone gets behind him." Coleman’s experience, leadership, and physicality make him the emotional anchor of a team that’s suddenly found its spine. Meanwhile, Hungary’s Barnabás Varga — the 25-year-old striker for Ferencváros — is in scorching form. He netted the winner against Armenia and has scored 10 goals in his first 12 league games this season. "He’s the danger," Cunneen said. "If he gets two shots on target, he’s probably scoring."Historical Echoes: Euro 2016 Revisited
The Irish campaign has drawn comparisons to their 2016 Euro qualifiers, when they beat reigning world champions Germany 1-0 in Dublin. That win, like this one, was a turning point — a moment when belief replaced doubt. "Where has this been the whole time?" asked Cunneen in his analysis. "It’s still on." The FAI, headquartered in Abbotstown, Dublin, has quietly rebuilt the squad’s identity — blending youth like James McClean and Conor Hourihane with veterans like Coleman. Meanwhile, the Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ) has leaned into the firepower of Varga and the creativity of Szoboszlai, who now plays for Liverpool.What Happens Next?
If Ireland wins, they face Armenia in a two-leg playoff in March 2026. A draw or loss ends their run. The match will be broadcast live on RTE2 and via Amazon Prime Video Pay-Per-View in Ireland — a rare moment when a national team’s fate is watched by millions in living rooms, pubs, and even schoolyards. The Puskás Aréna, with its 67,215-seat capacity, will be electric. Hungary, buoyed by home advantage and recent momentum, will come out swinging. But Ireland, riding a wave of belief forged in Portugal and cemented in that unforgettable 2-2 draw, won’t back down.Why This Matters
This isn’t just about a World Cup spot. It’s about legacy. For Coleman, it’s his last shot. For the younger players, it’s their first taste of global relevance. For Irish football, it’s proof that resilience still exists — even when the odds say otherwise.Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if Ireland draws with Hungary?
A draw leaves Ireland in second place, but with the same points as Hungary. Since Hungary beat Ireland head-to-head in their earlier meeting, they’d edge out Ireland on tiebreakers and claim the playoff spot. Ireland’s World Cup dream ends immediately.
Who is the key player for Ireland in this match?
While Joe Cole didn’t name a single star, Seamus Coleman’s leadership and defensive grit are crucial. Offensively, the player who scored against Portugal — likely Callum O’Dowda or Shane Duffy — must replicate that composure. Ireland’s success hinges on a balanced attack and disciplined defending.
How did Ireland turn their campaign around after early losses?
After losing to Germany and Portugal early, Ireland shifted to a compact, counter-attacking style under manager John O’Shea. They began winning tight games — beating Armenia 1-0 and then shocking Portugal 1-0 — proving they could grind out results. The 2-2 draw against Hungary in September was the emotional catalyst.
Why is this match being played at Puskás Aréna and not in Ireland?
The fixture schedule for the 2026 qualifiers was determined by UEFA’s draw. Ireland was assigned to play Hungary away in the final matchday. This isn’t unusual — many teams face critical away games in their final qualifiers. Ireland’s last home match was against Portugal, which they won.
Can Hungary still qualify directly without winning this match?
No. Hungary is currently second in the group, four points behind group leaders Germany. Only the group winner qualifies automatically. Hungary must win this match to reach the playoffs — and even then, they’ll need to win two more games to make it to the World Cup.
What’s the historical significance of this match for Irish football?
Ireland hasn’t reached a World Cup since 2018. A playoff win here would mean their first appearance since 2014. If they make it, it would be only their fourth World Cup since 1990 — a rare achievement for a nation with a small population. This match could reignite national pride in a way not seen since Euro 2016.
Sports
Ankush Gawale
November 17, 2025 AT 14:47Man, I just watched the highlights of that 2-2 draw again. The way Ireland just refused to die... I don’t know what it is about this team, but they’ve got soul. I’m not even Irish and I’m already crying. 😅
रमेश कुमार सिंह
November 19, 2025 AT 07:01It’s like football finally remembered why we love it - not the trophies, not the salaries, but the raw, messy, last-minute hope that refuses to quit. Ireland didn’t just play a match, they resurrected a feeling. The kind that makes strangers hug in pubs and old men tell their grandkids, ‘I saw it live.’
That equalizer? Not a goal - a revolution. And Cole? He didn’t predict a win. He predicted a miracle. And miracles? They don’t need odds. They just need hearts.
When the final whistle blows, whoever wins, we’ll all be richer for having witnessed it. Football doesn’t need stadiums to be sacred. It just needs people who still believe.
Even if you’re from Mumbai and never held an Irish flag, you felt it. That’s the magic. That’s why we’re still here.
Some call it luck. I call it the soul of the game breathing again.
And if Ireland pulls this off? The world will remember November 16, 2025 - not for politics, not for tech - but for a team that refused to vanish.
Let’s not just watch this. Let’s honor it.
Because sometimes, the underdog doesn’t just rise - they become the reason you believe again.
And that? That’s worth more than any World Cup ticket.
Krishna A
November 20, 2025 AT 21:38lol Ireland 2-1? Cole’s got more confidence than my ex after a breakup.
Jaya Savannah
November 22, 2025 AT 10:312-1? 😏 Cole’s got more faith than my wifi during a Netflix binge. But hey, if Ireland pull it off, I’ll eat my yoga mat. 🧘♀️⚽
Sandhya Agrawal
November 23, 2025 AT 20:29I don’t trust this. Hungary’s got a hidden plan. They’ve been feeding fake stats to the media. I saw a clip where Szoboszlai winked at the camera after the last goal. That wasn’t celebration - it was a signal. This match is rigged. The whole playoff system is a distraction. They don’t want Ireland in the World Cup. Not because they’re bad - because they’re too inspiring.
Vikas Yadav
November 24, 2025 AT 22:09Look, I’m not saying Ireland will win, but... they’ve got heart. And heart, in football, is often the most underrated stat. Coleman’s last ride? It’s poetic. And Varga? He’s a beast. But heart? Heart doesn’t show up on the sheet. And Ireland’s got buckets of it.
Also, the fact that they’re playing in Budapest? That’s poetic justice. Hungary’s home, but Ireland’s spirit? That’s everywhere.
And Cole? He’s not wrong. He’s just... feeling it. And sometimes, feeling is better than data.
Amar Yasser
November 25, 2025 AT 15:47Bro, I’m just here for the vibes. If Ireland win, I’m buying everyone in my group chat a Guinness. If they lose? We still toast. Because football’s not about the score - it’s about who shows up when it matters. And Ireland? They showed up.
Steven Gill
November 26, 2025 AT 17:45I keep thinking about how quiet the streets in Dublin will be if they lose. Like, not just sad quiet - the kind where everyone just stops. No music. No chatter. Just the wind. And if they win? The whole country will scream for hours. No one will sleep. I’ve seen it before. This isn’t just a game. It’s a heartbeat.
And that kid who scored the equalizer? I bet he’s still replaying it in his head. Every night. Every time he closes his eyes. That’s what football does. It becomes part of you.
Even if you’re not Irish, you feel that.
Saurabh Shrivastav
November 28, 2025 AT 08:16Oh wow, Cole thinks Ireland will win? Shocking. Next he’ll say the moon is made of cheese and the Pope is a fan of Celtic FC. This isn’t football - it’s fan fiction with a budget.
Also, why is everyone pretending this isn’t just another qualifier? It’s not ‘legendary.’ It’s Tuesday night in Budapest. Get over it.
Prince Chukwu
November 30, 2025 AT 00:26From the streets of Delhi to the pubs of Dublin - this match is a global heartbeat. I watched the 2-2 draw with my uncle in Mumbai, tears in his eyes, and he said, ‘Beta, this is why we love football.’ No jersey, no flag - just soul. Ireland’s not just playing for a spot. They’re playing for every kid who was told they were too small, too quiet, too unlikely. And if they win? The whole world will stand up. Even the ones who never heard of Puskás Aréna.
And Cole? He didn’t just pick a score. He picked a story. And stories? They don’t need stats. They need believers.
Let’s make this legendary. Not because of the goals - but because of the ghosts who showed up to cheer.
Divya Johari
November 30, 2025 AT 13:42The emotional rhetoric surrounding this fixture is profoundly misplaced. To ascribe metaphysical significance to a sporting event is to indulge in collective delusion. The Irish team is a professional athletic unit operating within a regulated international framework. Their outcome will have no bearing on cultural legacy, nor should it be elevated to the status of myth. One must maintain intellectual rigor.
Aniket sharma
December 1, 2025 AT 09:14Everyone’s talking about the big names but let’s not forget the kids in the youth academies watching this. This is their future. Whether Ireland wins or loses, they’re showing what’s possible. Keep going. Keep believing. That’s what matters.
Unnati Chaudhary
December 2, 2025 AT 11:52I’ve been rewatching the 2-2 draw so many times. That last goal... the way the whole team just collapsed into a pile like they’d won the lottery and lost their keys at the same time. It’s beautiful. Not perfect. Not polished. Just real. And that’s what I’ll remember. Not the score. Not the stats. Just that moment - when everyone stopped being players and started being people.
And if they win? I’ll be dancing in my socks. If they lose? I’ll still be proud. Because some things aren’t about winning. They’re about showing up - and they showed up.