North Korea vs Iran: Preview and Predictions for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier

Iran is set to face North Korea in their fifth AFC World Cup qualifying match on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at the Lao National Stadium. Iran, currently leading their six-team group with 10 points from four games, is in strong form and aims to take another step towards 2026 World Cup qualification.

North Korea, on the other hand, is struggling at the bottom of the group with just two points from four matchweeks. Their recent performance has been dismal, having failed to achieve a victory in any of their last six matches, with three losses and three draws. In their last outing, North Korea lost 1-0 to Kyrgyzstan on October 15 and drew 1-1 with the United Arab Emirates in the previous match.

Iran, under the management of Amir Ghalenoei since March 2023, boasts an impressive record with 21 wins, four draws, and just one defeat. They come into this match following a 4-1 victory against Qatar on October 15, despite trailing 1-0 after 17 minutes. Iran has been unbeaten in their 13 most recent away fixtures, winning 11 and drawing two.

The team news indicates that North Korea may field a 4-4-2 formation, with Kuk Chol Jang and Kim Yu Song in defense, and Kuk-jin Kim and Jo-guk Ri up front. Iran is likely to maintain a similar lineup to the one that beat Qatar, featuring a backline of Milad Mohammadi, Shoja Khalilzadeh, Ali Nemati, and Omid Noorafkan. Sardar Azmoun is expected to start as the striker, flanked by Mohammad Mohebi and Alireza Jahanbakhsh.

Predictions favor Iran heavily, given their strong away form and North Korea’s poor performance in the group matches. The expected scoreline is North Korea 1-4 Iran, reflecting Iran’s dominance and North Korea’s struggles.