Northern Ireland v Hungary | UEFA Nations League, League B Group 2 | Monday 28 September, 7.45pm | Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park
Northern Ireland return to Belfast with momentum after a remarkable start to their Nations League campaign. Shea Charles struck in the 99th minute to seal a 1–0 win away to Georgia on Friday, while his brother Pierce saved a penalty from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. It was Northern Ireland’s first away win in the Nations League and their first victory at League B level.
Now comes a different challenge. Hungary arrive as the group’s top seeds, eager to respond to a 1–0 home defeat by Ukraine. Monday’s match is Northern Ireland’s first at home this year, and the Irish FA says it is sold out.
How are Northern Ireland playing?
The result in Tbilisi showed the resilience of Michael O’Neill’s young side. Northern Ireland created chances, survived pressure after the break and stayed in the contest long enough for Shea Charles to deliver the winner. Pierce Charles’ penalty save was just as decisive.
Their recent results have been mixed: a 1–0 friendly win over Guinea was followed by a 3–1 defeat to France in June. The Georgia victory, however, gives them three points at the start of a demanding group that also includes Ukraine.
O’Neill must make at least one defensive change. Dan Ballard has left the squad after being injured against Georgia, while Conor Bradley was already unavailable for this international window.
How are Hungary playing?
Hungary lost their opener, but the scoreline tells only part of the story. Marco Rossi’s team had 57% possession and 17 shots against Ukraine, yet put only four efforts on target. Danylo Sikan’s first-half header proved enough to beat them in Budapest.
Before that setback, Hungary had beaten Finland and Kazakhstan in June friendlies. Their immediate concern is turning spells of control into goals. Northern Ireland will need to be ready for sustained pressure, particularly if Hungary start quickly in search of their first group points.
Players to watch
Shea Charles will draw plenty of attention after his winner in Georgia. His energy in midfield and willingness to get forward could be vital again. Pierce Charles also enters the game with confidence after a string of important saves in Tbilisi, while Isaac Price offers Northern Ireland a way to carry the ball into attacking areas.
For Hungary, Dominik Szoboszlai is the obvious danger. He started against Ukraine and delivered the cross that led to one of Hungary’s early chances. Milos Kerkez provides another threat from wide areas, while Northern Ireland will also have to track the movement of Hungary’s forwards when Szoboszlai finds space to supply them.
What could decide it?
Hungary showed against Ukraine that they can have plenty of the ball without finding a breakthrough. Northern Ireland’s task is to remain compact, cope with the loss of Ballard and make their own chances count. After the emotion of Friday’s late win, a disciplined performance in front of a full Windsor Park could turn a strong opening result into a genuinely promising start to the campaign.
What’s your prediction for Northern Ireland v Hungary?
Magyarul: Olvasd el az előzetest magyarul
See all upcoming Northern Ireland fixtures and recent results in our Northern Ireland football fixtures and results guide.
Read more: Northern Ireland vs Hungary — 28 September 2026 | Northern Ireland Squad for UNL Quadruple Header Named | Four Games, 11 Days: Michael O’Neill Faces a Major Test | Conor Bradley Set to Miss Northern Ireland’s Nations League Campaign | Northern Ireland vs Ukraine — 2 October 2026 | Republic of Ireland Beat Israel 3–0 in Hungary
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