Troy Parrott Hat-Trick Helps Ireland Defeat Hungary 3-2, Enter FIFA World Cup 2026 Playoffs
Ireland have kept their FIFA World Cup 2026 hopes alive with a stunning comeback win against Hungary on Sunday (November 16, 2025). Troy Parrott, the unheralded Ireland striker who sent Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal to a 2-0 loss on Thursday, did even better on Sunday with a hat-trick. He struck in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time in Budapest to complete his hat-trick in a 3-2 win that secured Ireland's place in the playoffs for next year's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson hugs Ireland's Dara O'Shea at the end of the World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Hungary and Ireland in Budapest, Hungary. | Photo: AP/Denes Erdos
Ireland's Troy Parrott, right, celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Hungary and Ireland in Budapest, Hungary. | Photo: AP/Denes Erdos
Hungary goalkeeper Denes Dibusz fails to save a shot by Ireland's Troy Parrott who scored his side's third goal during the World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Hungary and Ireland in Budapest, Hungary. | Photo: AP/Denes Erdos
Hungary's Roland Sallai is challenged by Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher during the World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Hungary and Ireland in Budapest, Hungary. | Photo: AP/Denes Erdos
Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher fails to save a shot by Hungary's Barnabas Varga who scored his side's second goal during the World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Hungary and Ireland in Budapest, Hungary. | Photo: AP/Denes Erdos
Hungary's Barnabas Varga celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Hungary and Ireland in Budapest, Hungary. | Photo: AP/Denes Erdos
Ireland's Troy Parrott, right, celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Hungary and Ireland in Budapest, Hungary. | Photo: AP/Denes Erdos
Hungary's Dominik Szoboszlai gestures during the World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Hungary and Ireland in Budapest, Hungary. | Photo: AP/Denes Erdos
Ireland's Troy Parrott, right, scores his side's opening goal during the World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Hungary and Ireland in Budapest, Hungary. | Photo: AP/Denes Erdos
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