Iraq vs South Korea Preview & Prediction | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying (AFC)

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Iraq are pushing to the top two of Group B of the third round of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification as they take on South Korea, who have been frustrating throughout this campaign.

Kick-off date/time:

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

How to watch online: UK – Bet365 & FIFA+ / US – FIFA+

Key Stats

• Excluding penalty shot-outs, Korea Republic have lost only one of their previous 22 international matches against Iraq (W9 D12). The defeat was in a friendly all the way back in March 1982 (L 1-0 in Iraq).
• Iraq are unbeaten in their last eight World Cup qualifying matches in Iraq (W6 D2).
• South Korea have lost only one of their last 33 World Cup qualifying matches (W21 D11).
• South Korea are unbeaten in their previous 14 matches in the current World Cup qualifying campaign (W9 D5)
• South Korea have lost only one of their last 26 international matches (W15 D10).

Iraq vs South Korea Prediction

Iraq come into this one on the back of a 2-1 loss to Palestine at the Amman International Stadium in Jordan during the March international break. That saw them concede two late goals to lose to the Palestinians when they had been in an excellent position to move to just a point within the South Koreans.

Jurgen Klinsmann was sacked as South Korea boss last year after an underwhelming stint in charge. They have not really improved, though, albeit are unbeaten after their eight matches with four victories and four draws. They have drawn their last three, too, with their most recent outing being a 1-1 draw against the aforementioned Jordan.

Iraq will simply want to take this game into the final group game and a draw would suit them, which is a result that also suits the Koreans so backing that may well appear a good bet.

Iraq vs South Korea Tip: Draw