- by Masivuye Mzimkhulu
- on 16 Nov, 2025
When Troy Parrott smashed home a last-gasp winner in the 95th minute, the entire Republic of Ireland bench erupted—not just from relief, but from the sheer weight of 32 years of near-misses, heartbreak, and quiet hope. The Republic of Ireland national team stunned Hungary 3-2 in a dramatic European Qualifiers 2026 clash in Hungary, sealing their place in the World Cup 2026 play-offs with a performance no one saw coming. Parrott, the 22-year-old forward from Dublin who plays for Middlesbrough Football Club, didn’t just score three goals—he carried an entire nation on his shoulders. And he did it in the final seconds of stoppage time, when the clock was already bleeding out and the home crowd had started to celebrate.
A Comeback That Defied Logic
Hungary, playing in front of a roaring home crowd, looked in control. They struck first in the 27th minute, then added a second just before halftime. Ireland, by contrast, looked flat, disjointed. The Football Association of Ireland had warned fans not to get their hopes up—this was supposed to be a tough away game against a side that had won five of their last six qualifiers. But football, as always, has its own script. Parrott pulled one back in the 58th minute with a clinical finish after a slick through ball from James Ward-Prowse. Then, in the 79th, he equalized with a curling left-footed shot that left the Hungarian keeper rooted. The stadium fell silent. The game was tied. But no one dared believe it yet.
The 95th-Minute Miracle
With the clock past 93 minutes, the Irish bench was already packing their bags. Hungary’s defenders were celebrating, arms raised, convinced the game was theirs. Then came the corner. A high, looping ball into the box. Parrott, the smallest man on the pitch at 5’9”, rose above two towering defenders like he’d been waiting his whole life for this moment. He connected with a thunderous header, the ball crashing off the underside of the crossbar and bouncing in. The referee’s whistle blew. The goal stood. Pandemonium.
It was the first hat-trick by an Irish player in a World Cup qualifier since Steve Staunton did it against San Marino in 1997. And it came at the most impossible time—when hope had all but vanished. Parrott didn’t just score three goals. He rewrote history.
What This Means for Ireland
For the Republic of Ireland, this isn’t just about qualifying for a play-off. It’s about survival. The last time they reached a World Cup finals was in 2002, in South Korea and Japan. Since then, they’ve missed out in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022—each time agonizingly close. In 2018, they lost to Denmark on away goals. In 2022, they were eliminated by Serbia in a 1-0 defeat that felt like a funeral. This win, in a hostile environment, against a side many thought superior, changes everything. It proves the team still has fight. Still has belief.
Now, they’ll face another European team in a single-leg play-off in March 2026. The draw hasn’t been made yet, but the top eight runners-up from the European Qualifiers will be seeded. Ireland, with six points from their group, is likely to be unseeded—but that doesn’t matter now. They’re in. After decades of waiting, they’ve earned the right to dream again.
The Bigger Picture: 2026’s Expanded World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, up from 32. For UEFA, that means 16 direct spots and four more through play-offs. Ireland’s win didn’t just earn them a shot at one of those four play-off slots—it gave them a fighting chance to end their longest World Cup drought in modern history. The tournament will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with matches spread across 16 cities. For Irish fans, the thought of seeing their team play under the lights of MetLife Stadium or the Estadio Azteca isn’t fantasy anymore—it’s possible.
Who’s Behind the Scenes?
The Football Association of Ireland, headquartered in Abbotstown, Dublin, has faced criticism in recent years for slow development and lack of investment. But this result could be a turning point. Head coach Stephen Kenny, who took over in 2020, has quietly rebuilt the squad with a mix of Premier League talent and homegrown players. Parrott, who came through the Tottenham Hotspur academy before moving to Middlesbrough, is now the face of a new generation. And he’s just getting started.
Meanwhile, the Hungarian Football Federation, despite the loss, can hold their heads high. Their team played with grit and technical flair. Their two goals came from Dominik Szoboszlai and András Schäfer, two players who could feature heavily in the next World Cup. But in football, as in life, one moment changes everything—and for Hungary, it was the 95th minute.
What’s Next?
The play-off draw will happen in November 2025, with the single-match knockout to be played in March 2026. Ireland will face one of the other eight runners-up from the European qualifiers. Possible opponents include Wales, Scotland, Ukraine, or Slovakia. No matter who they face, the pressure will be immense. But this team has already defied expectations once. Can they do it again?
For now, Dublin is buzzing. Pubs are reopening at midnight. Children are drawing Parrott’s name on their schoolbooks. And for the first time since 2002, Irish families are talking about June in North America—not as a dream, but as a destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Troy Parrott’s hat-trick compare to past Irish World Cup qualifiers?
Parrott’s hat-trick was the first by an Irish player in a World Cup qualifier since Steve Staunton scored three against San Marino in 1997. It’s also the first time since 1982 that an Irish player scored all three goals in a single World Cup qualifier. No Irish forward has ever netted a winning goal in the 95th minute of a decisive qualifier—making this a historic moment in FAI history.
What does Ireland need to do to reach the 2026 World Cup finals?
Ireland must now win a single-leg play-off match in March 2026 against another European runner-up. The winner of that match earns one of four remaining European spots in the 48-team World Cup. There’s no second chance—if they lose, their 32-year drought continues. The draw will determine whether they face a strong side like Wales or a slightly weaker opponent like Slovakia.
Why is the 2026 World Cup format different?
For the first time, the World Cup will feature 48 teams instead of 32, with UEFA receiving 16 direct spots and four additional play-off places. This expansion gives smaller nations like Ireland more opportunities, but also increases competition in the play-offs. The format is designed to include more countries, but the play-offs remain brutal—win or go home.
Who are Ireland’s likely play-off opponents?
Ireland will face one of the eight runners-up from the European Qualifiers group stage. Likely candidates include Wales (who finished second in Group D), Scotland (Group F), Ukraine (Group I), or Slovakia (Group K). The draw, set for November 2025, will seed the top eight runners-up, meaning Ireland—likely unseeded—could face a tougher opponent. But with momentum on their side, anything is possible.
What’s the significance of the 95th-minute winner?
Scoring in the 95th minute of a World Cup qualifier is rare—especially one that decides qualification. Only two other Irish goals in competitive history have come after 94 minutes: a 94th-minute equalizer against Belgium in 2003 and a 94th-minute winner against Wales in 2002. Parrott’s goal is the first to win a qualifier at that stage since 1997. It’s the kind of moment fans remember for a lifetime.
Has Ireland ever reached the World Cup finals from a play-off before?
Yes—in 2002, Ireland qualified for the World Cup after defeating Iran in a play-off. They then advanced to the Round of 16, defeating Spain in a dramatic group stage match. Before that, they reached the 1990 and 1994 tournaments through direct qualification. But this is the first time since 1994 that Ireland has reached the play-offs with a realistic shot at the finals. The last time they won a play-off was in 2002, making this a potential repeat of history.