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.

Updated on: 17 November 2025 9:36 am

Hungary vs Ireland World Cup 2026 Qualifiers-Dominik Szoboszlai

Hungary's Dominik Szoboszlai is dejected at the end of the World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Hungary and Ireland in Budapest, Hungary. | Photo: AP/Denes Erdos

1/9

Hungary vs Ireland World Cup 2026 Qualifiers-Heimir Hallgrimsson

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

2/9

Hungary vs Ireland World Cup 2026 Qualifiers-Troy Parrott

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

3/9

Hungary vs Ireland World Cup 2026 Qualifiers-Denes Dibusz

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

4/9

Hungary vs Ireland World Cup 2026 Qualifiers-Roland Sallai

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

5/9

Hungary vs Ireland World Cup 2026 Qualifiers-Caoimhin Kelleher

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

6/9

Hungary vs Ireland World Cup 2026 Qualifiers-Barnabas Varga

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

7/9

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

8/9

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

9/9

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