MLSZ ExCo expects better results from its men's national team and head coach

MLSZ's Executive Committee unequivocably confirmed its support for Rossi, appointed in 2018, to stay at the helm and expects the squad to be freshened up. In the 2026–2027 season, the domestic football season will start on the last weekend of July according to the competition calendar approved by the ExCo, and the final round of NB I, NB II and NB III fixtures will all take place on 22nd and 23rd May 2027. It was also decided that the MOL Hungarian Cup final will be held on Saturday 8th May in the Puskás Arena in 2027. 

Based on feedback from lower-division clubs, the right to host each fixture on the way to the final will once again be given to the lower-ranked teams in each pairing. Furthermore, MLSZ's ExCo will decide on competition announcements for the Fizz Liga, the top tier of Hungarian football, and the Merkantil Bank Liga, the second tier, at the beginning of next year, having consulted with MLSZ's technical committee. 

Thereafter, the Executive Committee heard Rossi's report on the men's national team's performance during the year of 2025, especially in regard to the World Cup qualifiers. As is already known, Hungary were contenders for World Cup qualification throughout the group stage, but ultimately didn't progress from its group, either automatically to the finals or to a play-off stage, following a painful home defeat against the Republic of Ireland. During the report, Hungary's head coach analysed the year, addressing the parts that fell short of expectations as well as the more successful matches. After receiving answers from Rossi to their questions, the ExCo accepted the head coach's report and assured him of their support, Rossi having already led the team in 82 matches, including six group fixtures at separate European Championship finals. 

"Marco Rossi has been managing the Hungarian national team for more than seven years - we know his abilities and are aware of his values. We see how he handles experienced players, integrates young players and discovers footballers who are in good form, something which comes from him knowing the domestic and international scene well," MLSZ President Dr Sándor Csányi, told mlsz.hu, adding: "We believe he is able to recreate the necessary fight and concentration until the last minute on the pitch, which are prerequisites for successful international performances. We expect the team and the coaching staff to reflect this in their performance in the forthcoming period. This regeneration is unimaginable without the self-critical analysis of the recent past, which the head coach made today in front of the Executive Committee."

The ExCo also discussed the economic situations of Hungary's professional clubs among the usual agenda items and in accordance with the framework of the financial monitoring system. In addition to the presentation of general trends, financial difficulties were identified in some cases. In accordance with the ExCo's policy, the Hungarian Football Federation maintains its strict financial control system and calls on clubs to operate sustainably."