Overview
- Ireland beat Hungary 3-2 in Budapest, with Troy Parrott completing his hat-trick in the 96th minute to clinch a play-off place.
- Parrott scored five goals over the window, adding a brace in a 2-0 win over Portugal as Ireland finished second in Group F on 10 points.
- The striker said he cried after the winner and has replayed the moment repeatedly, crediting his move to AZ for restoring confidence after tough spells in England.
- Dublin Zoo officially named a male citron-crested cockatoo “Troy,” while Dublin Airport joked about renaming itself and fans marked the moment with tribute tattoos.
- The European play-offs are set for March next year, with the 2026 World Cup scheduled from June 11 to July 19 in North America.