Northern Ireland host Hungary at Windsor Park on Monday in their second UEFA Nations League outing of the 2026-27 campaign. The two nations arrive in contrasting moods, with the hosts looking to build on their opening-day victory while the visitors aim to make amends for their defeat as the table begins to take shape.
The opening round in Group 2 saw Northern Ireland embark on a lengthy journey east to Tbilisi, where they locked horns with Georgia. After a tepid first-half showing from both sides, the Green and White Army looked set to fall behind midway through the second half after Sunderland’s Daniel Ballard was adjudged to have conceded a penalty.
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However, goalkeeper Pierce Charles was up to the task, diving the right way to deny Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from the spot. His brother Shea Charles then made the difference at the other end of the pitch, with the midfielder netting a superb strike at the death to seal a 1-0 victory for Northern Ireland.
Hungary, meanwhile, had home comforts on matchday one, hosting Ukraine at the Puskás Aréna in the nation’s capital. An end-to-end first half saw Magyarok head into the break a goal down, although they came close to scoring themselves, with Daniel Lukács’ effort cannoning off the crossbar.
The Hungarians then upped the ante in the second period, recording 10 attempts to their opponents’ two but to no avail, ultimately losing the contest 1-0.
Following Monday’s clash, Hungary return to familiar ground as they host Georgia in round three, while Northern Ireland are set to play Ukraine.
Northern Ireland vs Hungary Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two nations met at this same stadium in March 2022, with Hungary winning the friendly clash 1-0 thanks to a second-half strike from Roland Sallai.
- The hosts’ sole win in this fixture came in September 2014, when they edged Hungary 2-1 in a European Championship qualifying clash.
- Friday’s encounter with Georgia marked Northern Ireland’s first-ever Nations League win on foreign soil.
- The hosts are ranked 70th in the latest FIFA World Rankings, while the visitors sit 39th.
Northern Ireland vs Hungary Prediction
Daniel Ballard is set to miss Monday’s clash after suffering an injury against Georgia, an absence that is undoubtedly a massive blow to Norn Iron’s chances.
Hungary must raise their levels significantly to negate Northern Ireland’s home advantage but should have enough quality to do so and come away with a positive result.
Prediction: Northern Ireland 0-1 Hungary
Northern Ireland vs Hungary Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Result: Hungary to win
Tip 2 – Goals – Over/Under 2.5 – Under 2.5 goals
Tip 3 – Both teams to score: No
Edited by Peter Pedroncelli
