Football for expats in Budapest: find a game in English
New to the city? Mixed, English-friendly games are the fastest way to make friends.
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Moving to Budapest is exciting, but building a social life from zero takes time. Work friends are a start, language classes help, but a weekly football game is one of the quickest ways in. You meet the same people every week, you have something to talk about straight away, and nobody cares whether your Hungarian is any good.
Football is a shared language
You do not need much Hungarian to play. Games on PitchUp mix Hungarians, international students and people who moved here for work, and many are played in English. On the pitch, a handful of words gets you through: names, "here", "man on" and "shoot" work in any language.
Where expats play
Most expats live in or near the centre of Pest, the inner Buda districts or near the universities. The closest regular PitchUp venues to those areas are Városliget Mini Arena (VI.), a short trip from the centre of Pest, and BME Sporttelep (XI.), next to the BME and ELTE campuses in Újbuda. Panoráma Sportközpont in the II. district suits anyone living in Buda.
See all pitches and open games →Getting started
- Download the app or open the web app and browse games near where you live or work.
- Check the match page for the format, surface, price and players already joined.
- Reserve your spot in one tap. You get a reminder before kick-off.
- Bring cash for now: you pay the host at the venue, usually 2,000 to 3,000 Ft. Card payments are coming soon.
Practical tips for newcomers
- Prices are in forints. The price on the match page is per player and includes the pitch.
- Boots matter. Most small-sided games are on artificial turf, so bring turf shoes or short studs.
- Winters are cold and dark early. From November, look for floodlit pitches and bring layers for the warm-up.
- Arrive early. Large sports complexes can be confusing the first time. Read the host notes about the entrance.
Beyond the weekly game
Once you have a few regular teammates, look at tournaments. Hosts run leagues and cups across Budapest, and solo players can enter: the host places you in a team. It is a good next step if you want something to play for.
Amateur football leagues and cups in Budapest →Common questions
Do I need to be a resident to play?
No. Anyone with a PitchUp account can book a game, including students and people here for a few months.
What if I only speak English?
That is normal. Many games are played in English, and the squad list shows who is joining.
How to play football with strangers →
