IR Iran vs Korea DPR Preview & Prediction | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying (AFC)

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There is nothing riding on this match for either team but after losing to Oman on Thursday, the already-qualified Iranians will be keen to bounce back

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – Not televised

How to watch online: UK – OneFootball / US – OneFootball

Key stats

• IR Iran have won 14 and drawn four of the previous 18 international matches between these two teams.
• IR Iran are unbeaten in their last 22 World Cup qualifying matches at home (W18 D4). Since a 0-1 defeat against Uzbekistan in November 2012.
• IR Iran have not lost successive World Cup qualifying matches since 2019.
• Korea DPR are without a win in their last nine World Cup qualifying matches (D3 L6).

IR Iran vs Korea DPR prediction

Iran have already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but they will be eager to bounce back after losing their first match of the third round of qualifying in the AFC. On Thursday, they slipped to a 1-0 defeat in Oman so they will be eager to get back on track as they face Korea DPR in Tehran.

It has been a tough qualifying campaign for the visitors who have yet to win any of their nine games in this phase of qualifying. With all their home matches taking place in neutral territory, they have been somewhat up against it and they have ultimately lacked the quality to trouble their opponents consistently.

The reverse fixture of this match took place in Laos in November 2024 and it was Iran who emerged victorious 3-2. The final score somewhat flattered the North Koreans who were 0-3 down at half-time but they did manage to make the scoreline look more respectable in the end.

With nothing on the line here, both teams will have to find other sources of motivation. Our preference is on the home side in front of their home fans and we expect them to win comfortably too.

IR Iran vs Korea DPR tip: IR Iran to win -1.5 goals