Sporting Kansas City defender Botond Barath has been selected to the Hungary Men’s National Team for two matches during the November FIFA window, including the Magyars’ pivotal UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying finale against Wales.
Barath and the Magyars will first host South American power Uruguay in a friendly on Friday, Nov. 15, at the brand-new Puskas Arena in Budapest. The inaugural match at the world-class, 67,889-seat stadium is slated for noon CT.
Hungary will then prepare for an all-important UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier at Wales on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at Cardiff City Stadium, kicking off at 1:45 p.m. CT with live streams on ESPN3 and the ESPN App.
Hungary Fixtures During November FIFA Window
- Friday, Nov. 15: Friendly vs. Uruguay (Noon CT)
- Tuesday, Nov. 19: Euro 2020 qualifier at Wales (1:45 p.m. CT, ESPN3, ESPN App)
Hungary currently occupies second place in Group E of Euro 2020 qualifying, two points behind leaders Croatia. The Magyars have a two-point cushion on third-place Slovakia, which has one game in hand. While Hungary faces Uruguay in a friendly on Nov. 15, Slovakia will continue Euro qualifying the following night when they visit reigning World Cup finalists Croatia.
The top two finishers in Group E will advance to the heralded UEFA European Championship next summer, slated to take place in 12 different cities across 12 different countries. Hungary competed at the most recent edition in 2016 in France, marking the Magyars’ first appearance at the tournament since 1972.
Coming in at No. 50 in the latest FIFA rankings, Hungary enters the month of November with palpable excitement. The friendly versus No. 5-ranked Uruguay will serve as a curtain raiser for Puskas Arena, which will be one of 12 sites for Euro 2020 next summer and figures to become Hungary’s new home for years to come. The subsequent Euro qualifier against No. 24 Wales could see the Magyars punch their ticket to the quadrennial competition.
The 27-year-old Barath started 22 of 24 appearances for Sporting in all competitions during his first season with the club. The versatile defender, who opened his MLS scoring account at Minnesota United FC on Sept. 25, has earned nine caps for Hungary since debuting last fall.
