History of Hungary national football team in Timeline

The Hungary national football team represents Hungary in international men's football, overseen by the Hungarian Football Federation. They have a history of participating in major tournaments, with nine FIFA World Cup appearances and five UEFA European Championship appearances. Their home venue is the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, opened in 2019, serving as the primary location for their matches.

1904: Great Britain also won three titles

In 1904, Great Britain also won three titles.

1908: Football became an official event

In 1908, Football became an official event.

1912: First Appearance at Summer Olympic Games

In 1912, the Hungary national side first appeared at the Summer Olympic Games in Stockholm, Sweden, and lost 7–0 to England, resulting in their elimination.

1919: England claims exclusion of the Central Powers from FIFA

In 1919, England claimed the exclusion of the Central Powers (including Hungary) from FIFA. When FIFA refused England's plea, the British associations decided to resign from FIFA.

1920: Budapest Denied Hosting 1920 Summer Olympics

In 1920, Budapest was denied the opportunity to host the Summer Olympics, which were held in Belgium, and the countries of the Central Powers were excluded from the Olympics. Hungary used a unique 2–3–5 formation.

1921: Fogl brothers played in the national team

During 1921, the Fogl brothers (József and Károly Fogl) played in the national team.

1924: Hungary Lost to Egypt at the 1924 Summer Olympics

At the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, after Hungary lost to Egypt, both the head coach and the head of the Hungarian Football Federation resigned.

June 1927: Hungary beats France 13-1

On 12 June 1927, Hungary beat France 13–1, which is still a record. József Takács scored six goals.

1928: England's Elo rating in 1928

In June 1954, Hungary set the highest Elo football rating ever achieved by a national side (2230) after their 4–2 victory over Uruguay in the 1954 World Cup semi-finals. England came in third with 2212 in 1928.

1930: Hungary participated in the Central European International Cup

Between 1927 and 1930, Hungary participated in the Central European International Cup, which is considered to be the first international tournament. In the final, Hungary lost to Italy 5–0.

1930: Hungary Not Invited to First FIFA World Cup

In 1930, the first FIFA World Cup was held in Uruguay, but Hungary were not invited and did not take part in the tournament.

May 1934: First World Cup Match

On 27 May 1934, Hungary's first World Cup match was against Egypt, resulting in a 4–2 win.

1936: Eliminated by Poland at the 1936 Olympics

In 1936, Hungary entered the Olympics, where in the first round they were eliminated by Poland, 0–3.

1938: World Cup Runners-Up

In 1938, Hungary finished as runners-up in the World Cup.

1938: Hungary Reached the Final of the 1938 World Cup

In 1938, Hungary reached the final of the World Cup held in France, where they lost to Italy 4-2. They won against Dutch East Indies (6-0) and Switzerland (2-0). They won against Sweden (5-1) in the semi-final at the Parc des Princes, Paris.

1948: Sweden Olympic champions

In the semi-finals, during the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Hungary faced Sweden, the 1948 Olympic champions and won 6–0.

1948: Construction of Népstadion begins

The construction of the Népstadion, which later became the Ferenc Puskás Stadium, began in 1948.

May 1950: Hungary begins unbeaten streak

Hungary began an unbeaten streak on 14 May 1950, that would last until 4 July 1954.

May 1950: Golden Team's Undefeated Run Begins

On 14 May 1950, the Aranycsapat ("Golden Team") of the "Magnificent Magyars" began a remarkable run of 43 victories, 6 draws, and 0 defeats.

1952: Hungary won the Olympic title for the first time

In the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Hungary won the Olympic title for the first time, after beating Yugoslavia 2–0 in the final.

November 1953: "Match of the Century"

On 25 November 1953, England played Hungary at Wembley Stadium, London in a match later dubbed as the "match of the century". Hungary won 6-3.

November 1953: Hungary beats England at Wembley

On 25 November 1953, Hungary famously won 6–3 at Wembley against England, being the first team from outside the United Kingdom and Ireland to beat England at home.

1953: Népstadion Construction Completion

The construction of the Népstadion, which later became the Ferenc Puskás Stadium, was completed in 1953.

May 1954: England lost to Hungary at Népstadion

On 23 May 1954, England lost to Hungary 7–1 at the Népstadion.

May 1954: Hungary beats England 7-1

On 23 May 1954, the Hungary national team beat England 7–1 at the Puskás Ferenc Stadium, which remains their worst defeat to date.

June 1954: Highest Elo rating ever achieved by a national side

In June 1954, Hungary set the highest Elo football rating ever achieved by a national side (2230) after their 4–2 victory over Uruguay in the 1954 World Cup semi-finals.

July 1954: Hungary loses World Cup final

On 4 July 1954, Hungary lost the World Cup final to West Germany, ending their 31-game unbeaten streak that started on 14 May 1950.

1954: 1954 World Cup Final

Excluding the 1954 World Cup Final, the Aranycsapat ("Golden Team") of the "Magnificent Magyars" achieved a remarkable record of 43 victories, 6 draws, and 0 defeats from 14 May 1950 until they lost 3–1 to Turkey on 19 February 1956.

1954: World Cup Runners-Up

In 1954, Hungary finished as runners-up in the World Cup.

1954: Hungary beats England 7-1

In 1954, six months after winning 6-3 at Wembley, Hungary beat England 7–1 in Budapest, which still ranks as England's record defeat.

February 1956: End of Golden Team's Undefeated Run

On 19 February 1956, the Aranycsapat ("Golden Team") of the "Magnificent Magyars" lost 3–1 to Turkey, ending a remarkable run of 43 victories, 6 draws, and 0 defeats that began on 14 May 1950.

1956: 1956 Revolution and Olympics

In 1956, the Hungarian football team was withdrawn from the Melbourne Olympics due to the revolution. Key players defected, marking the end of the Golden Team.

1958: Florian Albert started playing

In 1958, Florian Albert started his career and played until 1974.

1958: Elimination from 1958 World Cup

In 1958, Hungary was eliminated from the World Cup after losing a play-off to Wales, despite having a better goal difference.

1960: Hungary entered the Olympics held in Rome

In 1960, Hungary entered the Olympics held in Rome and finished top of the group after winning all matches by a combined goal difference of +12. In the semi-finals, they lost to Denmark 0–2, but beat Italy in the bronze medal match 2–1.

May 1962: Victory Over England in 1962 World Cup

On 31 May 1962, Hungary beat England 2–1 in the first group match of the 1962 World Cup.

1964: 1964 European Nations' Cup

In 1964, Hungary qualified for the European Nations' Cup held in Spain, where they lost to Spain in the semi-finals and beat Denmark in the third-place play-off.

1964: Third Place at European Championship

In 1964, Hungary secured third place in the European Championship.

1964: Hungary won their second gold medal at the 1964 Olympics

In 1964, Hungary won their second gold medal at the 1964 Olympics held in Tokyo, after beating Czechoslovakia 2–1 in the final.

1966: Hungary at the 1966 World Cup

In 1966, Hungary qualified for the World Cup held in England, where they were eliminated by the Soviet Union in the quarter-finals.

1967: Flórián Albert was named European Footballer of the Year

In 1967, Flórián Albert was named European Footballer of the Year.

1968: Hungary won the Olympics

In the 1968 Olympics, Hungary won their third title, becoming the most successful team in football at the Olympics.

1970: Hungary failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup

In 1970, Hungary failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup after a 4–1 defeat to Czechoslovakia.

1972: Hungary Participated in UEFA Euro 1972

In 1972, Hungary participated in the UEFA Euro held in Belgium, losing to the Soviet Union in the semi-finals and to Belgium in the third place play-off.

1972: Hungary lost the final match in the 1972 Olympics

In the 1972 Olympics held in Munich, Hungary lost 1–2 to Poland in the finals.

1974: Florian Albert retired

In 1974, Florian Albert retired after playing from 1958.

1978: Hungary participated in the 1978 World Cup

In 1978, Hungary participated in the World Cup held in Argentina, losing matches against Argentina, Italy and France.

1978: Hungary last win against Russia

Since 1978, Hungary has failed to win against Russia.

1982: 1982 FIFA World Cup Qualification

In 1982, Hungary and Romania shared the same group in qualification for the 1982 FIFA World Cup, which is part of their long-standing rivalry that often involves conflicts between supporters.

1982: Hungary participated in the 1982 World Cup

In 1982, Hungary participated in the World Cup in Spain, winning against El Salvador but losing to Argentina and drawing with Belgium, resulting in their elimination.

1986: Elimination at the 1986 World Cup

Hungary faced a severe drought starting from their elimination at the 1986 World Cup, failing to qualify for a major tournament for thirty years.

1986: Hungary participated in the 1986 World Cup

In 1986, Hungary participated in the World Cup in Mexico, losing to the Soviet Union and France, while winning against Canada.

1988: Olympic football event changed to under-23 tournament

After 1988, the Olympic football event was changed into an under-23-only tournament.

1993: Ferenc Puskás was appointed as the head coach

In 1993, Ferenc Puskás was appointed as the head coach of the national side.

1996: Hungary qualified for the Summer Olympics

In 1996, Hungary qualified for the Summer Olympics but lost all its group matches.

1996: Lowest FIFA Ranking in 1996

In 1996, Hungary reached their lowest FIFA ranking, which was 87.

1996: Hungary reached its lowest FIFA World Ranking

In 1996, the Hungary national team reached its lowest FIFA World Ranking at 87th. They also qualified for the Summer Olympics.

1998: Hungary were eliminated in the World Cup qualifying play-offs

In 1998, Hungary were eliminated in the World Cup qualifying play-offs by Yugoslavia with a 12–1 aggregate score.

2000: UEFA Euro 2000 Qualification

In 2000, Hungary and Romania shared the same group in qualification for UEFA Euro 2000, which is part of their long-standing rivalry that often involves conflicts between supporters.

2000: Matches between Austria and Hungary since 2000

Since 2000, the football teams of Austria and Hungary have only played three matches against each other, despite being the second most-played international match-up in football history.

2002: 2002 World Cup Qualification

In 2002, Hungary and Romania shared the same group in qualification for the 2002 World Cup, which is part of their long-standing rivalry that often involves conflicts between supporters.

2008: Sixth in Euro 2008 Qualifiers

Hungary finished sixth in their group of the Euro 2008 qualifiers.

May 2009: Formation of the Carpathian Brigade

On 15 May 2009, the Carpathian Brigade was officially formed and the date has been commemorated as the group's birthday ever since.

2009: Hungary U-20 team won a bronze medal

In 2009, the Hungary U-20 team won a bronze medal at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt.

2010: Speculation about doping in the 1954 World Cup

In 2010, journalist Erik Eggers speculated in a study that the German team may have used drugs to beat the Hungarian team during the 1954 World Cup.

2010: Carpathian Brigade at 2010 World Cup qualification match

The first organized debut of the Carpathian Brigade supporters' group was at a Hungary vs. Malta 2010 World Cup qualification match.

September 2011: Hungary reached the 27th place in the FIFA World Ranking

In September 2011, Hungary reached the 27th place in the FIFA World Ranking, their highest position to date.

2012: Hungary finished the Euro qualifying in third place

In 2012, Hungary finished the Euro qualifying in third place with 19 points.

September 2013: Carpathian Brigade Clashes in Bucharest

In September 2013, the Carpathian Brigade clashed with the police and Romanian supporters in Bucharest during a World Cup qualifier against Romania, marking the starting point of the group's infamy.

December 2013: Attila Pintér was appointed as head coach

In December 2013, Attila Pintér was appointed as head coach of the national team.

June 2014: Hungary's final match at Ferenc Puskás Stadium

On 7 June 2014, the national team's final match played at the Ferenc Puskás Stadium was a 3–0 win for Hungary against Kazakhstan.

September 2014: Budapest Selected to Host Euro 2020 Games

On 19 September 2014, UEFA selected Budapest to host three group stage games and one round of 16 game at Euro 2020.

September 2014: Hungary played their first game at the Groupama Arena

On 7 September 2014, Hungary played their first game at the newly constructed Groupama Arena, a 2–1 defeat to Northern Ireland in Euro 2016 qualifying.

October 2014: Hungarian fans clash with Romanian fans and police in Bucharest

In October 2014, Hungarian fans traveled to Bucharest to support the national team in their EURO 2016 qualification game, resulting in crowd trouble and fights between Hungarian and Romanian fans and clashes with the local police, who used teargas to separate the crowd.

2014: Groupama Arena becomes temporary home

Between 2014 and 2019, Ferencváros' Groupama Arena was the temporary home of the national team.

2014: 2014 World Cup Qualification

In 2014, Hungary and Romania shared the same group in qualification for the 2014 World Cup, which is part of their long-standing rivalry that often involves conflicts between supporters.

2014: Hungary suffered a joint national record defeat

In 2014, Hungary suffered a joint national record defeat 8–1 to the Netherlands, resulting in the resignation of head coach Sándor Egervári.

2014: Germany's Elo rating in 2014

In June 1954, Hungary set the highest Elo football rating ever achieved by a national side (2230) after their 4–2 victory over Uruguay in the 1954 World Cup semi-finals. Germany came in second with 2223 in 2014.

September 2015: Hungarian fans clash with police and migrants in Budapest

In September 2015, during a Euro qualifier in Budapest, Hungarian fans clashed with police, attacked a group of Middle Eastern migrants, and attempted to fight Romanian fans, resulting in detentions, injuries, and damage to property.

November 2015: Hungary qualified for its first European Championship

In November 2015, Hungary qualified for its first European Championship (UEFA Euro 2016) in 44 years.

2016: Qualification for Euro 2016

Between 2014 and 2019, Ferencváros' Groupama Arena was the temporary home of the national team during qualification for Euro 2016.

2016: UEFA Euro 2016 Qualification

In 2016, Hungary and Romania shared the same group in qualification for UEFA Euro 2016, which is part of their long-standing rivalry that often involves conflicts between supporters.

2016: Hungary participated in Euro 2016

In 2016, Hungary participated in Euro 2016, qualifying for the round of 16.

2016: Euro 2016 qualifying match

In 2016, Hungary participated in a Euro qualifying match

2016: Qualified for the 2016 European Championship

In 2016, Hungary qualified for the European Championship.

2016: Hungary reappeared at the European Championship

In 2016, Hungary reappeared at the European Championship after a long absence.

October 2017: Georges Leekens was appointed as a new head coach

On 30 October 2017, Georges Leekens was appointed as a new head coach of Hungary.

November 2017: Hungary was defeated by Luxembourg in a friendly

On 10 November 2017, Hungary was defeated by Luxembourg 2–1 in a friendly match.

March 2018: Hungary lost both matches

In March 2018, Hungary lost both matches, including one against Kazakhstan.

June 2018: Marco Rossi was appointed as head coach

On 19 June 2018, Marco Rossi was appointed as the head coach of Hungary, replacing Georges Leekens.

2018: Qualification for the 2018 World Cup

Between 2014 and 2019, Ferencváros' Groupama Arena was the temporary home of the national team during qualification for the 2018 World Cup.

2018: Hungary in UEFA Nations League C

In 2018, Hungary participated in the UEFA Nations League C.

2018: Hungary was in the same group with Croatia, Wales, Slovakia and Azerbaijan

In 2018, Hungary was in group E with Croatia, Wales, Slovakia and Azerbaijan during the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying.

November 2019: Puskás Aréna opens

In November 2019, the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary, opened and became the home venue for Hungary's national football team.

November 2019: Puskás Aréna Opens with Match Against Uruguay

On 15 November 2019, the Puskás Aréna opened with a match against Uruguay, an idea from Károly Jankovics.

2019: Groupama Arena as temporary home ends

Between 2014 and 2019, Ferencváros' Groupama Arena was the temporary home of the national team.

October 2020: Hungary qualified for UEFA Euro 2020

In October 2020, Hungary defeated Bulgaria and later Iceland in the play-offs to qualify for UEFA Euro 2020.

2020: Qualification for Euro 2020

Between 2014 and 2019, Ferencváros' Groupama Arena was the temporary home of the national team during qualification for Euro 2020.

2020: Euro 2020 was postponed to 2021

Due to COVID-19, Euro 2020 was postponed to 2021, with Hungary drawn in a challenging group.

2020: Hungary competed in the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League B

In 2020, Hungary began competing in the 2020–21 UEFA Nations League B, securing a notable victory against Turkey.

2020: UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying

In 2020, Hungary finished fourth in their UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying group but secured a play-off spot due to their Nations League performance.

2020: Qualified for the 2020 European Championship

In 2020, Hungary qualified for the European Championship.

2020: Hungary competed in the Euro

In 2020, Hungary was in the Euro.

2020: Hungary was promoted to UEFA Nations League B

In 2020, Hungary was officially promoted to the UEFA Nations League B.

2020: Budapest to host Euro 2020 Games

In September 2014, UEFA selected Budapest to host three group stage games and one round of 16 game at Euro 2020.

2021: Hungary participated in the Euro 2020

In 2021, Hungary participated in the Euro 2020 and played against Portugal, France, and Germany.

2022: Achieved promotion to the 2022–23 UEFA Nations League A

In 2022, Hungary achieved promotion to the 2022–23 UEFA Nations League A.

2022: Hungary gained promotion to the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League A

In 2022, Hungary secured promotion to the 2022–23 UEFA Nations League A.

2022: Hungary faced off against three former world champions

In 2022, during the 2022–23 UEFA Nations League, Hungary faced off against three former world champions: Italy, Germany, and England.

December 2024: Last updated

The provided information was last updated on 19 December 2024.

2024: Qualified for the 2024 European Championship

In 2024, Hungary qualified for the European Championship.

October 2025: All-time international record updated

Hungary's all-time international record was updated on 14 October 2025, after the match against Portugal.

November 2025: Caps and goals updated after match against Armenia

As of 13 November 2025, the caps and goals for players were updated after the match against Armenia.

November 2025: Call-up for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches

In November 2025, players were called up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against Armenia and Ireland.

2026: 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches

In November 2025, players were called up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against Armenia and Ireland.

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