Cristiano Ronaldo – Foto: Stefan Constantin 22 / Shutterstock.com
The Portuguese national team faces Hungary this Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, for the fourth round of Group F in the European Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Coach Roberto Martínez released the lineup with Cristiano Ronaldo starting in the attack, aiming for early qualification with a win. The match kicks off at 3:45 PM (Brasília time) and could secure Portugal’s direct spot in the tournament, depending on the parallel result between Ireland and Armenia.
Portugal arrives unbeaten in the group, with nine points from three matches, after edging Ireland 1-0 last weekend.
The formation chosen by Martínez prioritizes balance between a solid defense and creativity in midfield.
- Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa
- Right-back: Nélson Semedo
- Center-backs: Rúben Dias and Renato Veiga
- Left-back: Nuno Mendes
- Midfielders: Rúben Neves and Vitinha
- Attacking midfielder: Bruno Fernandes
- Forwards: Bernardo Silva, Pedro Neto, and Cristiano Ronaldo
O nosso 𝗫𝗜 𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 para o jogo frente à Hungria ⚔️#FazHistória | #PORHUN #WCQ pic.twitter.com/1hLqFy31st
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) October 14, 2025
Tactical adjustments by Martínez in defense
Roberto Martínez made two changes compared to the game against Ireland. Nélson Semedo takes the right-back spot instead of Diogo Dalot, while Renato Veiga enters the center-back position replacing Gonçalo Inácio. These changes aim to provide greater defensive solidity, considering Hungary’s history of quick transitions.
The Portuguese defense has conceded only two goals in the first three rounds, with Rúben Dias as the central pillar.
Individual highlights in Portugal’s attack
Cristiano Ronaldo starts as center-forward, after scoring three goals in the qualifiers so far. The scorer has 133 goals for the national team, reinforcing his role as a reference in Martínez’s scheme. Bruno Fernandes, with decisive assists, and Bernardo Silva, for his versatility, complete the offensive sector.
Pedro Neto earns a starting spot, bringing speed on the wings.
The bench group includes options like João Félix, Gonçalo Ramos, and Francisco Conceição, ready to come on if needed.
Portugal’s recent preparation in the qualifiers
The Portuguese team won all three initial games in Group F. In September, they beat Armenia 5-0 and Hungary 3-2, consolidating their leadership. The last-minute win over Ireland maintained the 100% record.
Martínez praised the team’s resilience in a pre-match press conference, highlighting tactical adaptation.
Portugal has accumulated 12 wins in the last 15 official matches, showing consistency under the Belgian coach since 2023.
The focus now is on maintaining invincibility, with 9 goals scored and a positive goal difference of 7.
Current situation in Group F and implications
Portugal leads with nine points, followed by Hungary with four. A Portuguese win raises the total to 12, making mathematical qualification possible. Armenia, with three points, plays simultaneously against Ireland, which has one.
Hungary seeks points for the playoffs, after beating Armenia 2-0 in the previous round.
The clash represents Portugal’s fourth game in the campaign, with the schedule pausing in November for the final rounds.
Hungarian formation and challenges for the Portuguese
Hungary, coached by Marco Rossi, is expected to line up Balázs Tóth in goal, with a defense of Loïc Nego, Willi Orbán, Attila Szalai, and Milos Kerkez. In midfield, András Schäfer, Callum Styles, and Bendegúz Bolla, alongside Dominik Szoboszlai as the standout. The attack features Dániel Lukács and Barnabás Varga.
Portugal has never lost to Hungary in 15 official meetings, with 12 wins and three draws. The last duel, in September 2025, ended 3-2 for the Portuguese.
Hungary’s strategy focuses on counter-attacks, exploiting Szoboszlai’s speed, who has two goals in the campaign.
Refereeing and broadcast of the match
Serbian Srdjan Jovanović referees the game, assisted by Uroš Stojković and Milan Mihajlović, with Novak Simović as fourth official. VAR is handled by Momčilo Marković.
The match will be broadcast live on SporTV, on closed TV, in Brazil.
Fans in Lisbon expect a full house at José Alvalade, with capacity for 50,000 spectators.
The encounter is part of the October FIFA Date, with Portugal returning to action in November against group rivals.
