ETO, FTC, Paski FC: the top contenders in NB1

Three clubs fighting for one trophy this season! Football fans in Hungary are excited about the NB I, OTB Bank Liga (Fizz Liga) which returns on 24 July 2026. 

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Eyes on the three teams that did well last season, defending champions ETO FC Gyo, runners-up Ferencvarosi TC (FTC), and the third-placed Paksi FC. After competitive title races in Hungarian football history, the battle for the championship is more interesting.

For supporters following the season closely, stay updated with the fixtures, odds, and league developments, platforms like fonbet-hu.com offer useful coverage along with betting insights for the Hungarian flight.

In this preview, we explore the leading contenders and their strengths and weaknesses, from squad depth and key players to summer transfer activity and the impact of European commitments. 

NB I 2026/27 at a Glance 

The 2026/27 NB I, sponsored as the OTP Bank Liga, is starting on 24 July 2026 and ending on 23 May 2027.

The competition remains limited to Hungary’s premier football division, with 12 clubs competing in a triple round-robin format, meaning teams face each opponent thrice, leading to 33 league matches. The schedule has the traditional winter break before continuing in early 2027.

Last season, the top five teams gained attention, although fans consider Nyiregyhaza Spartacus FC.

Last season demonstrated how competitive the Fizz Liga tabella has become. ETO shocked football fans by winning, ending Ferencvaros’ dominance after seven back to back championships. Paski proved they challenge clubs with larger budgets using consistency and tactical discipline.

This year, the championship race of this nemzeti sport promises to be fascinating contest, since top teams balance their matches in European football during the opening months.

ETO FC – Defending Champions 

Winning the NB I title in 2025/26 was an amazing achievement for ETO FC Gyor. This was the club’s fifth Hungarian league championship and marked the end of Ferencvaros’ dominance in the league for seven consecutive seasons. 

Instead of depending on individual brilliance, ETO combined tactical discipline and defenses with consistent performance during the campaign, finishing on top the NB1 tabella.

Why ETO Won Last Season 

ETO’s title-winning campaign depends on consistency instead of spectacular attacking football. While rivals dropped valuable points against the teams in the lower half, Gyor collected victories with organised defenses and great transition.

The club handles pressure during decisive fixtures late in the season. They had a balanced squad, strong home record, and squeezed out wins when hope seemed to be lost. This separated them from the chasing pack, and lifted the championship for the first time.

Squad Changes and Summer 2026 Transfer Activity

ETO is the defending champion, coming into the season determined to strengthen their position. The club kept their strategy with additions to improve squad depth. This is a good idea because the new campaign involves domestic and European fixtures.

One step was securing Mark Csinger on a long-term contract after his great performances in central defence during the championship-winning seasons. They focused on keeping the same coaching staff so that there won’t be disruption for the team. Looking at the current transfer activity, ETO focuses on adding competition in key positions.

Players to Watch 

Players to watch as ETO tries to defend their title.

• Milan Vitalis: The famous energetic midfielder is the heart and determines the tempo, while contributing in defense and possession.
• Mark Csinger: This center back had an outstanding defensive campaign and earned high recognition at the international level, giving ETO the league’s strongest back lines.
• Nadhir Benbouali: The Algerian forward is a threat to players trying to score, and he has delivered important goals in domestic and European competitions. His journey from Charleroi to becoming a title-winner in Győr is one of the more interesting stories in Hungarian football right now — and he heads into 2026/27 with a World Cup on his CV. 

Champions League Qualifiers

ETP succeeded at the OTP Bank Liga and got into UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds. European football offers great experience and financial rewards; the biggest challenge champions facing this season.

The additional midweek fixtures test the squad’s depth in the first months. Constant travel, slow recovery time, and high injury risk affects the league’s performance, especially against well-rested opponents.

If they achieve success at the competition, it builds enough confidence and maintains the competitive rhythm that carried them to the championship last time.

Ferencvaros – Cup Winners Looking to Reclaim the Title 

For the first time in eight seasons, Ferencvarosi TC (FTC) is going into a new NB I campaign without the league trophy. After winning seven championships back to back, they finally lost to ETO FC Gyor. 

They secured the silver by lifting the Magyar Kupa. The domestic cup success made sure the Budapest club remained the top representatives from Hungary in European competition. Many hope to challenge for the championship again.

Ending a Historic League Streak 

Although finishing second was very disappointing to Ferencvaros, their campaign was successful. The club is the prolific attacking side, and attracts the country’s biggest crowds. They showed their resilience by winning the Hungarian Cup.

After experiencing the pressure of second place instead of defending the title, FTC started the 2026/27 season with motivation. Their objective is to reclaim the top spot in the NB I. tabella.

Summer Transfer Window Moves 

Ferencvaros is among the busiest clubs during the summer transfer window, building team areas without sacrificing experience. The club combines established internationals with younger talent, contributing to the team immediately. 

New players:

• Jonathan Levi: He’s an experienced creative midfielder that strengthens the attackers.
• Toon Raemaekers: A center-back that improves defensive depth.
• Callum O’Dowda: This Irish player adds more versatility to the left flank. 

Players to Watch 

FTC has the deepest squad in the OTP Bank Liga, with quality players on the pitch. Players standing out:

• Kristoffer Zachariassen: The Norwegian midfielder is influential on the team, especially his work rate, leadership, and impressive ability to score from midfield position.
• Jonathan Levi: He’s expected to provide creativity and arrived during the summer transfer window.
• Bamidele Yusuf: The Nigerian striker started the season in great form, contributing goals in Europa League qualifying.

Europa League Qualifiers and League Opener 

Ferencvaros started their UEFA Europe League qualifying campaign in July after achieving a first-round tie against Vojvodina, with a second qualifying round meeting with FC Twente. Those fixtures are on either side of the season’s opening weeks, testing the squad’s depth and rotation options.

The congested fixture list means that the team has opportunities and challenges. Positive European results gives momentum and confidence, but regular Thursday night matches means fatigue before weekend NB1 fixtures. 

Paksi FC – The Quiet Contender 

Paksi FC is famous as the ultimate overachiever in Hungarian football. While ETO FC Gyor and Ferencvaros dominate the news because of larger budgets and deeper squads, Paksi challenges for honors with a stable team and smart recruitment. Their third-place finish last season made them real title contenders.

Why Paksi’s Third Place Finish Wasn’t a Fluke 

Unlike clubs competing near the top of NB I, Paski depends on domestic talent. Their coaches implement a consistent tactical approach and their players have disciplined defending, quick transitions, and efficient finishing.

Factors making their campaign impressive:

• A settled starting XI with strong chemistry.
• Organised defensive units in the league.
• Consistent performances against teams outside the top two.
• Competing effectively if they have less financial resources than their rivals.

Squad Stability Gives Paksi an Edge 

Paksi’s greatest strength in the new season is continuity. ETO and Ferencvaros became stronger through transfer additions, but Paksi retained the core group responsible for their success last season.

The club favors measured recruitment instead of changing the entire squad, so their new arrivals complement their team instead of affecting it. This should be valuable during the first weeks of this season’s Fizz Liga.

Players to Watch 

Although Paksi hardly depends on marquee signing, performers this season:

• Barnabas Varga: Reliable goalscorer at Hungary, his movement and finishing makes him a constant threat.
• Balazs Balogh: This experienced midfielder has leadership and composure on the pitch.
• Janos Szabo: A reliable defender with consistency and organisational skills to pay attention to.

European Qualifiers 

Paksi started European journey in the UEFA Conference League qualifying rounds. Their schedule is less demanding than Champions League or Europa League participation, but the additional midweek fixtures test the squad depth during the opening months.

Pay attention to how Paksi manages the balance between European ambitions and maintaining momentum in the NB1 title race. If successful, they reach the campaign’s final weeks.

Head-to-Head Fixtures to Watch 

The rivalry between ETO FC Gyor, Ferencvaros, and Paksi FC is important at the 2026/27 NB I title race. The league has 33 matches in a three-round format, direct meeting is important, as three deal with European commitments during the first half.

The Hungarian Football Federation confirmed the opening rounds of the fixture list. Everyone’s watching the match between defending champions ETO FC Gyor and Ferencvaros in Round 3, and Paksi FC against Ferencvaros in the opening weekend.

Who’s the Favorite? – Verdict 

Three teams enter the new OTP Bank Liga season with realistic ambitions, but face challenges.

ETO FC Gyor finished first last season, and their biggest strength is their defensive organisation and continuity. The main concern is the Champions League fixtures.

There’s Ferencvaros, which finished second with deep squad and proven winners. But they have to balance Europa League matches with the domestic schedule. 

Paksi FC finished third and has squad stability and tactical cohesion. They have a smaller squad compared with their rivals.

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