Troy Parrott's stunning hat-trick led Ireland to a dramatic 3-2 victory over Hungary, securing their spot in the European playoff for the 2026 World Cup. His goals came in the 15th minute from a penalty, the 80th minute, and the winning goal in injury time, marking one of the most memorable moments in Irish football history.
During the match, Ireland initially fell behind with two goals in the first half but mounted a remarkable comeback after Parrott's goals, especially the last-minute winner scored in the 96th minute, which sparked electric celebrations among Irish fans and players alike. The victory means Ireland finishes second in Group 6 with 10 points, joining Portugal in the playoffs, while Hungary, after initially leading, missed out on qualification for the first time in 40 years.
Parrott, who transferred to Ajax from Tottenham's youth academy in 2024, expressed his joy, describing the match as "the best night of my life" and calling it a "fairytale story." His performance not only earned him praise but also marked a significant milestone in his international career, highlighted by his historic contribution in such a crucial fixture.
