Marco Rossi Selects Three Newcomers for Upcoming Nations League Matches
Head coach Marco Rossi named three uncapped players—Vasas midfielder Urblík József, Paks midfielder Pető Milán, and Debrecen forward Szendrei Ákos—in his latest squad for November’s concluding UEFA Nations League fixtures, Nemzeti Sport reported. The roster announcements set the stage for crucial Group 2 encounters as Hungary travels to face Georgia in Tbilisi on November 14 before hosting Northern Ireland at the Puskás Aréna on November 17. The upcoming matches carry significant weight, as Hungary is currently battling for promotion back into the top division of the Nations League.
Rossi’s selections feature a notable mix of returning veterans and first-time call-ups. Among the newcomers, Urblík earns his inclusion following an agreement confirmed by FIFA on November 3 that cleared the 30-year-old midfielder to represent Hungary. Born in Bártfa, Slovakia, Urblík joins a growing list of foreign-born players capped by Hungary in recent years. If he takes the pitch, he will become the 12th player born outside Hungary to feature for the national team during Rossi’s six-year tenure, joining a list that includes Willi Orbán (Germany), Filip Holender (Serbia), Loic Nego (France), Norbert Könyves (Serbia), Pál Dárdai Jr. (Germany), Milos Kerkez (Serbia), András Németh (South Africa), Callum Styles (England), Márton and Bence Dárdai (Germany), and Ármin Pécsi (Austria). Urblík’s eligibility had been previously restricted because he represented Slovakia at the U21 level after turning 21.
Veterans and Returning Faces in the National Squad
While the squad introduces fresh talent, familiar names return to the setup. Defender Szalai Attila earned a recall. The 28-year-old center-back, who has accumulated 53 caps since his 2019 debut, missed eight consecutive matchday squads prior to this selection. Rossi’s roster also brings back established figures like Szoboszlai Dominik and Willi Orbán to anchor the side for the November fixtures.
Rossi stressed at the press conference that the coaching staff had been observing the newly called-up players for a longer period, so selection was not based merely on a few successful matches. The head coach pointed out that Urblík provides high-level technical quality in the final third, though the technical staff must assess how quickly the Vasas captain adapts to the physical intensity of international football. Rossi noted that while he generally prioritizes younger players when stats are similar, he remains open to calling up players even at 30, citing previous late-blooming debuts such as Péter Szappanos (32), Tamás Cseri (32), and Norbert Könyves (31).
Personal Milestones for Debrecen Striker Szendrei Ákos
For 23-year-old forward Szendrei Ákos, the call-up arrived on a poignant anniversary. NB1.hu reported that the Debrecen player received the news of his selection exactly five years after undergoing anterior cruciate ligament surgery on November 3, 2021. Szendrei told club media that he initially thought he was still dreaming when team manager Tömő Attila sent the notification in the morning.
Dehir reported that the young striker immediately called his parents and grandmother upon learning the news. Szendrei has started all 12 league matches for Debrecen this season, contributing five goals and three assists to help his club climb to fourth place in the OTP Bank Liga standings with 19 points. The striker celebrated the call-up by bringing pastries to training for his teammates, crediting them for his development. Debrecen is set to host Újpest in the 13th round of the league on November 8 at 15:30 in the Nagyerdei Stadion.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where does Hungary play its next Nations League matches?
Hungary visits Georgia in Tbilisi on November 14, 2026, and then hosts Northern Ireland at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest on November 17, 2026, as reported by Nemzeti Sport.
Why was Urblík József’s national team eligibility delayed?
Urblík could not be selected previously because he played for Slovakia’s under-21 team after turning 21, requiring a formal clearance following FIFA rule changes before he could switch representation.
Which club does Szendrei Ákos play for currently?
Szendrei plays as a forward for Debreceni VSC (DVSC), where he has recorded five goals in twelve league appearances this season, according to Dehir and NB1.hu.
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