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After failing to qualify for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, Hungary will host Finland in a friendly match in Budapest on Saturday, 6 June 2026, kicking off at 01:45 AM WITA (Lombok time).

Since Finland also missed out on qualification for the North American tournament, this encounter is unlikely to carry the same intensity as last weekend’s UEFA Champions League Final, which was also held in Budapest.

The question now is whether Hungary can secure a win in front of their home supporters, or if Finland will spoil the party.

Head-to-Head: Hungary vs Finland

Hungary and Finland have faced each other several times recently, with their latest meeting coming in the 2018 UEFA Nations League, which ended in a draw. However, Hungary triumphed in the last two encounters played in Budapest.

Hungary were left bitterly disappointed after missing out on World Cup qualification, especially after appearing set to finish second behind Portugal in their group. Two late goals from Troy Parrott helped the Republic of Ireland leapfrog them, extending Hungary’s World Cup absence since 1986.

Finland, meanwhile, were never truly in contention for qualification, unsurprising given they shared a group with the Netherlands and Poland. Still, their victory over Poland in Helsinki proved that at their best, they are capable of posing a real threat.

Since missing out on the World Cup, Hungary have played twice in Budapest — winning against Slovenia and drawing with Greece. They will again rely on key players such as Dominik Szoboszlai and Barnabas Varga, the latter having scored five goals in the qualifiers.

Finland have played only one international friendly since the club season ended, suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to Germany in Mainz last Sunday.

Team News: Hungary vs Finland

Hungary’s 29-man squad includes seven uncapped players, among them 19-year-old AZ Alkmaar forward Bendegiz Kovacs and 21-year-old Liverpool goalkeeper Armin Pecsi, both of whom could make their senior debuts.

Captain and star midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, who recorded four assists in six World Cup qualifying matches last year, is expected to start, while Milos Kerkez, Roland Sallai, Alex Toth, Andras Schafer, and Barnabas Varga are also likely to feature.

For Finland, Joel Pohjanpalo — the most experienced outfield player with 88 caps — will lead the line for the Friis, supported by Robin Lod and either Oliver Antman or Topi Keskinen on the wings.

Niklas Pyyhtia, who scored on his international debut late last year, has not featured since but could start in midfield alongside Matti Peltola, Anssi Suhonen, Adam Markhiyev, and Leo Walta.

Predicted Lineups: Hungary vs Finland

Hungary: Pecsi; R. Sallai, Orban, Dardai, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, A. Toth, Schafer; Redzic, Vargas, Schon.

Finland: Hradecky; Alho, Koski, Miettinen, Mahuta; Pyyhtia, Peltola, Suhonen; Antman, Pohjanpalo, Lod.

Score Predictions: Hungary vs Finland

Sportskeeda’s Prediction

Although Germany are a stronger side than Hungary, their easy win over Finland last weekend should serve as a warning for the Nordic nation.

Having narrowly missed World Cup qualification, Hungary will be eager to prove themselves, particularly on home soil. While Finland are no pushovers, Hungary’s superior record against them suggests a likely home victory.

Predicted Score: Hungary 2-0 Finland

Sportsmole’s Prediction

Hungary’s recent home form (W2 D4 L4) has been inconsistent, but they remain favourites to overcome a Finland side that has struggled for consistent results. If coach Marco Rossi fields a strong lineup, the hosts should edge this contest in Budapest.

Predicted Score: Hungary 2-1 Finland

TribunLombok’s Prediction

Hungary possess a stronger squad in almost every department. The presence of Dominik Szoboszlai as playmaker provides creativity that Finland may find difficult to handle, while Barnabás Varga’s sharpness — proven by his five World Cup qualifying goals — adds a cutting edge in attack.

The disappointment of missing out on the World Cup could serve as motivation for Marco Rossi’s team to showcase their quality at the European stage. Playing in Budapest is another advantage, as Hungary tend to perform more aggressively with home support behind them.

Finland showed they can surprise higher-ranked opponents by beating Poland in the qualifiers, but their inconsistency and the 0-4 defeat against Germany exposed defensive weaknesses against technically strong sides. Even though Hungary may not be as formidable as Germany, they have enough attacking talent to exploit those gaps.

Joel Pohjanpalo, Robin Lod, and Oliver Antman remain capable of creating danger on counterattacks, meaning Finland could still find the net. However, the midfield balance led by Szoboszlai and Schäfer should allow Hungary to control the tempo.

With superior individual quality, strong motivation to rebound after World Cup disappointment, and the benefit of home advantage, Hungary are well positioned for a convincing win.

Predicted Score: Hungary 3-1 Finland