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Troy Parrott's hat-trick secures Ireland's World Cup play-off spot in dramatic fashion
A tearful Troy Parrott described his disbelief after scoring a historic hat-trick to send the Republic of Ireland into the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Hungary in Budapest on Monday night.
Playing in the absence of injured striker Evan Ferguson, the 23-year-old Dubliner delivered a performance for the ages, netting all three goals-including a last-gasp winner-to cap a stunning comeback at the Puskas Arena. The result ensures Ireland's first shot at World Cup qualification in eight years, ending a rollercoaster campaign on a high.
A night of high drama in Budapest
Ireland's task was clear: win or face elimination. But the hosts struck first, with Daniel Lukacs heading Hungary ahead early. Parrott, unfazed, pulled his side level from the penalty spot before half-time.
Hungary regained the lead through Barnabas Varga's spectacular strike in the second half, setting up a tense finale. With time running out, Parrott equalized again with a clinical finish-his second of the night-before sealing the win in stoppage time. After substitute Johnny Kenny's effort was saved, Parrott pounced on Liam Scales' headed flick-on, prodding the ball past the Hungarian keeper to spark wild celebrations.
"I'm really, really emotional. They're tears of joy. Ah, what a night, what a night. This is why we love football-because things like this can happen. I love where I'm from, so this means the world to me."
Troy Parrott, speaking to RTÉ
Parrott, who also scored twice in Ireland's 2-1 win over Portugal last Thursday, became the first Irish player to net a competitive hat-trick away from home. Overwhelmed, he admitted it was the first time he had cried in years. "I said against Portugal that this is what dreams are made of," he said. "But tonight? I don't think I'll ever have a better night in my whole life. It's a fairy tale."
From crisis to contention: Ireland's campaign revival
The Republic of Ireland's qualifying journey began shakily. A home draw with Hungary in March was followed by a dismal 2-1 loss to Armenia in Yerevan. When Ruben Neves' late header sealed a 2-1 defeat in Lisbon in October, their hopes appeared dashed at the halfway stage.
But under fire, head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson-a surprise appointment last year after Stephen Kenny's departure-rallied his squad. A 2-0 revenge win over Armenia in Dublin reignited their campaign, before Parrott's brace against Portugal set up Monday's decider. Three consecutive victories, a first for Ireland since 2018, have now booked their play-off place.
"This moment shouldn't be about finding heroes; it should be about this team, the spirit, this unity and hard work the guys showed. We're on a spiral now-each game gets bigger."
Heimir Hallgrímsson, Republic of Ireland head coach
Hallgrímsson, who guided Iceland to their first World Cup in 2018, urged perspective amid the euphoria. "Success isn't just this moment," he said. "It's a constant journey in the right direction. If we qualify for the World Cup, it could change everything for Irish football."
Play-off path awaits in March
Ireland's last World Cup play-off appearance ended in heartbreak-a 5-1 aggregate loss to Denmark in November 2017. This time, the format is simpler: two single-leg ties in March 2026 stand between them and a spot in the North America finals.
Their opponents will be confirmed when FIFA conducts the play-off draw on Thursday. For now, though, the focus remains on Parrott's heroics-a performance that rescued a faltering campaign and offered a glimpse of a brighter future.
"In 10 years," Hallgrímsson reflected, "I hope people look back and say, 'This was the team that started something special.'"
