Republic of Ireland 3–2 Hungary: Troy Parrott’s Last-Gasp Hat-Trick Seals Sensational World Cup Play-Off Spot

Credit: IMAGO / Zsombor Toth

The Republic of Ireland booked their place in the 2026 World Cup play-offs in the most dramatic fashion imaginable. The visitors came from behind to beat Hungary 3-2 in Budapest thanks to a stunning hat-trick from former Tottenham striker Troy Parrott.

Ireland arrived in Budapest knowing only a win would keep their World Cup dream alive, having reignited their campaign with a remarkable 2-0 victory over Portugal on Thursday. Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side refused to let that momentum fade as they produced one of the greatest late turnarounds in international football.

FT | IRELAND ARE GOING TO THE PLAY-OFFS!!!

YEEEESSSSS!!!! pic.twitter.com/o84iD33Lbh
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) November 16, 2025

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Troy Parrott Keeps Ireland World Cup Dream Alive

Hungary made a blistering start when Daniel Lukacs headed in after just four minutes, putting the hosts firmly in control of their own play-off destiny. Parrott levelled the match from the penalty spot on 15 minutes, but Barnabas Varga restored Hungary’s lead with a superb strike just before the interval, leaving Ireland with a mountain to climb.

With 15 minutes remaining, Ireland still needed two goals to leapfrog Hungary into second place. But as belief began to fade, Parrott delivered. The AZ Alkmaar striker struck a brilliant equaliser in the 80th minute to set up a frantic finale.

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Deep into stoppage time, Ireland won a free-kick inside their own half in the 96th minute. Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher launched it long, Liam Scales flicked it into the box and Parrott reacted quickest to stab home his third. As a result, Parrott completed a historic hat-trick and sparking wild celebrations inside the Puskas Arena.

Troy Parrott, take your place on the pantheon of Irish greats 🇮🇪pic.twitter.com/KATKNMZO4g
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) November 16, 2025

The result stunned a Hungary side captained by Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai and ended their hopes of reaching a first World Cup since 1986. For Ireland, it sealed second place in Group F, completing an extraordinary turnaround in the final days of qualifying. In the group’s other fixture, Portugal thrashed Armenia 9-1 to secure top spot and book their ticket to next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Hungary

Republic of Ireland

Troy Parrott

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.