Euro 2024: Previewing Hungary’s qualifying chances for the big tournament in Germany 

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The Hungarian national football team finds itself in the best position it’s been in since the days of Ferenc Puskás almost 70 years ago. The former Real Madrid man famously led Hungary’s golden generation to the World Cup final in 1954, where they would lose out 3-2 to West Germany despite being overwhelming favourites. Admittedly, the current crop aren’t of the level of Puscas and co., but they have certainly given the country a team they can be proud of. 

Back in 2016, The Magyars ended their 30-year wait to appear at a major tournament when they qualified for the European Championships in France. And the tournament was a huge success. A 2-0 victory over Austria and back-to-back draws against Iceland and eventual champions Portugal sealed the top spot in Group F and a date with Belgium in the second round. The Red Devils would eventually win out, but there could be no denying how far Hungary had come.

Five years later, The Hungarians qualified for back-to-back European Championships for the first time in their history. However, after once again being drawn alongside Portugal, as well as Germany and reigning world champions France, there was only ever an outside chance of progressing to the knockout rounds. They did give all three of them a scare, however, drawing with France and Germany, as well as keeping Cristiano Ronaldo and co. quiet for 80 minutes before slipping to a late defeat.

They will be hoping to make it a hat trick in 2024, and we wouldn’t bet against them.

An Incredible UEFA Nations League Campaign 

Hungary’s recent Nations League campaign was the stuff of fairytales. The Magyars were once again handed a difficult group, just as they were last year in the European Championships. They were drawn against Italy and England – the teams who contested the final of Euro 2020 – as well as Germany once again. Online bookmakers such as FanDuel, which provide free bets on European football, didn’t expect trees to be pulled up, and relegation back to League B was considered a distinct possibility.