Ireland are set to take on Hungary and Armenia in two huge World Cup qualifiers, it’s the first real proper test for Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson and his young Irish squad.
Ireland need to get off to good start on Saturday evening.
Group F has just four teams; Portugal, Hungary, Armenia, and Ireland—meaning only six matches across three months determine qualification.
If Ireland fail to get a result on Saturday night against Hungary you kiss any chance of qualification for the 2026 World Cup finals over, even at this early stage..
That’s how big this match is on Saturday evening is.
On paper, Portugal are overwhelming favourites to top the group. That leaves Ireland in a head-to-head fight with Hungary and Armenia for the playoff spot. With just six games total, every mistake will be magnified.
There are some good signs in this Irish set up, under Heimir Hallgrímsson, the 58 year old Icelander has brought structure and a calmer tactical identity. Early signs suggest a team less chaotic and more disciplined than under previous regimes.
Evan Ferguson, even at just 20, is already Ireland’s attacking talisman. Alongside Chiedozie Ogbene, Gavin Bazunu, and a maturing midfield core, there’s the spine of a competitive side.
Opening against Hungary (home) and Armenia (away) gives Ireland a chance to grab momentum. Four or six points here would immediately shift the narrative.
I think what most Irish fans want to see from this campaign is a few big results, a decent level of football and to be in the mix come the final few games in the group.
Even if Ireland do manage to finish second however, it doesn’t guarantee a ticket to North America. Ireland’s recent record in playoffs is mixed at best, and the single-game knockout format is merciless.
Irish football has been stuck in a cycle of frustration—narrow misses, dull football, fading support.
Injuries are often a key issue for whether a rugby team can be successful or not, but these days recovery times are proving to be much shorter. Better medicines and treatments are certainly chiefly responsible for this, as our innovate or new types of treatments, like CBD medicines that are becoming ubiquitous, not just from your local cheap CBD shop.
Qualifying for the World Cup wouldn’t just be about glory; it would be transformative. Hallgrímsson himself has said reaching 2026 could “change everything” for Irish football—from finances to grassroots development. It would reignite belief in a footballing nation that has been drifting.
Can Ireland make the 2026 World Cup finals then? If Ireland beat Hungary in Dublin and avoid dropping points in Yerevan, the dream is alive. Anything less, and it becomes an uphill battle.
For the first time in years, there’s a sense of belief. Ireland may not be favourites, but they have enough quality, enough leadership, and—if the Aviva crowd does its part—enough fire to make a serious push.
The road to the 2026 World Cup starts now. It’s narrow, it’s steep, but it’s there to be climbed.