There were wild green and white scenes of celebration after Ireland secured a place in this spring's World Cup playoff in the final trembling seconds of the qualifiers.
The big hero was Troy Parrott. Five minutes of added time were about to end when Parrott scored to make it 3-2 – his third goal of the game.
The devastated Hungarians were also able to see that their playoff spot was gone at the same moment. Ireland's victory knocked Hungary into second place in Group F.
Portugal, without the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo, offered a real goal celebration when they secured first place in the same group and a direct place in the World Cup.
Bruno Fernandes, who scored two penalties, and João Neves both scored three goals as Portugal won 9–1 in front of their home crowd in Porto.
Previously, England, France and Croatia have secured World Cup tickets in the European qualifying game.
A total of 48 national football teams will be allowed to play in the Men's World Cup in the summer of 2026 – 31 places are booked:
Asia (8 direct places): Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan (debutant), South Korea, Uzbekistan (debutant), Qatar, Saudi Arabia.
Africa (9): Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Senegal.
South America (6): Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay.
North and Central America and the Caribbean (6): USA, Mexico, Canada (host nations).
Oceania (1): New Zealand.
Europe (16): England, France, Croatia, Portugal.
Six national teams from Asia, Africa, South America, Oceania, North and Central America and the Caribbean will compete in a playoff for two World Cup spots in March.
