Hungary is a landlocked Central European country that excels in various types of sports, but football has a special place in the heart of the Hungarians. They have also enjoyed great success in other sports like swimming, fencing, athletics (track and field), table tennis, weightlifting and rowing. Lately, golf and tennis have been gaining popularity.

Traditional Horse show in Puszta Traditional Horse show in Puszta

Did You Know?

Hungary is one of only three countries (along with Britain and Switzerland) to have competed in every Summer Olympics since the modern Games began in 1896, missing only 1920 and 1984.

View Hungary's Olympic History →

Hungary has a very rich football history that is rich with victories and medals. These include several Olympic medals, multiple runners-up in the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Football Championship.

The Hungarian 'golden team' from the 1950s included Ferenc Puskas, the best goalscorer of the 20th century. As a matter of fact, FIFA dedicated the latest award that they have created to him, the Puskas Award. The team also has the honor of having the longest winning streak in football history being unbeatable in 31 games within a span of 4 years that included what has come to be known as "The Match of the Century", against England which forced them to redesign their training and gameplay. Hungary also hosted the 2010 UEFA Futsal Championship in Debrecen and Budapest.

"Hungary's Olympic success is remarkable given its population of under 10 million. The country consistently punches above its weight in water sports, fencing, and combat sports, demonstrating a deep sporting culture and effective athlete development systems."
— Robert Wood, founder of Topend Sports

Hungary has also enjoyed quite a success in the Olympic Games and becoming one of the top countries when it comes to Olympic medals. They have participated in most Olympic Summer Games since 1896, missing only the 1920 and 1984 Games, and all the Winter Olympic Games. Their best Olympic event is fencing, with swimming a distant second.

Hungary at the FIFA World Cup

Hungary has played in the FIFA World Cup nine times - 1934, 1938, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1978, 1982, and 1986. The country's best performances at the World Cup were in 1938 and 1954.

Hungary reached the final of the 1938 FIFA World Cup, but lost 2-4 to Italy. Then, the country also put up a good performance at the 1954 FIFA World Cup, but lost 2-3 to Germany in the final. Hungary has not qualified for the FIFA World Cup in the 2000s. They didn't also qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

"The Hungarian Golden Team of the 1950s revolutionized football tactics and technique. Their 6-3 victory over England at Wembley in 1953 forced the English to completely rethink their approach to the game and remains one of the most influential matches in football history."
— As noted by sports historian Robert J. Wood in his analysis of historic football achievements

Below are details of sports, sporting events and sports people related to Hungary.

Popular sports of Hungary (see more)

  • Football (Soccer), swimming, fencing, athletics (track and field), table tennis, weightlifting and rowing, golf and tennis.

Hungary's Sporting Success

Olympics Gold Silver Bronze Total
Rio 2016 8 3 4 15
Tokyo 2020 6 7 7 20
Paris 2024 6 7 6 19
  • Laszlo Papp won three Olympic gold medals for Hungary in 1948, 1952, and 1956
  • Krisztina Egerszegi won five Olympic gold medals for Hungary
  • Katinka Hosszu won four Olympic medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics for Hungary
  • Hungary reached the FIFA World Cup finals in 1938 and 1954
  • Hungary won 15 Olympic medals at the Rio 2016 Olympics (8 gold, 3 silver, and 4 bronze)
  • Hungary won 20 Olympic medals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (6 gold, 7 silver, and 7 bronze)
  • Hungary won 19 Olympic medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics (6 gold, 7 silver, and 6 bronze)
"Hungary's dominance in water polo and swimming stems from a combination of excellent facilities, strong coaching traditions, and a cultural emphasis on aquatic sports that dates back over a century. Budapest's famous thermal baths have played a role in developing this water sports culture."
— According to sports science expert Robert Wood

Great athletes from Hungary

The Puskas Award

FIFA named its annual award for the most beautiful goal after Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskas, recognizing his status as one of the greatest goalscorers in football history.

Learn About Ferenc Puskas →
  • Ferenc Puskas, the "best goalscorer of the 20th century"
  • Laszlo Papp (boxing)
  • Krisztina Egerszegi (swimming)
  • Katinka Hosszu (swimming)

Hungary Sports trivia

  • Hungary has attended all Winter Olympics Games, but it took until 2018 to win its first gold medal.

Hungary at major events

Past sporting events hosted in Hungary

Upcoming sporting events in Hungary

Annual sporting events held in Hungary

  • The Hungarian Grand Prix - This is an annual Formula One race, which is held at the Hungaroring circuit near Budapest.
  • The Budapest Marathon - This is also an annual event held in the city of Budapest.
  • The Hungarian Open - It is an annual tennis tournament held in Budapest.
  • The Hungarian Swimming Championships - This is one of the most prestigious swimming competitions in Europe.
  • The Hungarian National Football Cup - This is one of the most popular football competitions in Hungary.

Is there something missing? If you know of something that should be listed here, please let me know.