Parrott hat-trick sickens Hungary as Ireland grab World Cup playoff spot in wild win

<p>An injury-time goal by Troy Parrott to complete his hat-trick booked Republic of Ireland a spot in the playoffs for next year’s World Cup with a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over their nearest Group F rivals Hungary in a must-win game in Budapest.</p><p>Higher-ranked Hungary just needed a draw to secure second place and led 2-1 at half-time thanks to goals from Daniel Lukacs and Barnabas Varga, but Parrott’s second goal of the night on 80 minutes and last-gasp winner broke the home side’s hearts.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/nov/16/parrott-hat-trick-republic-of-ireland-world-cup-2026-playoff-spot-wild-win">Continue reading...</a>