Iraq vs South Korea: 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Prediction (06.06.2025)

On Thursday, June 6 at 01:15 WIB, the Iraq national football team will host South Korea at the Basra International Stadium in the ninth round of Group B in the third stage of Asian qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The home team sits in third place with 12 points, just one point behind Jordan in second. It’s important to note that the top two teams in the group qualify directly for the upcoming World Cup. Meanwhile, the visitors lead the group with 16 points from eight matches.

In the Iraq – South Korea matchup, bookmakers lean more in favor of the away team. A win for the “Lions of Mesopotamia” is priced at odds of 3.55, a draw at 2.95, and a victory for the “Asian Tigers” at 2.31. Analysts don’t expect many goals in this match, with over 2.5 goals rated at 2.31. The odds for both teams to score are set at 1.91.

Iraq

After a disappointing run in the Gulf Cup and an away loss to Palestine, the Iraqi Football Federation decided to change head coaches. The position is now held by experienced Australian coach Graham Arnold.

It’s worth noting that Iraq has been the best home team in the group after eight rounds. They are unbeaten in four home matches. Moreover, the “Lions of Mesopotamia” only conceded their first home goals in the last match against Kuwait.

South Korea

Hong Myung-bo’s squad was a clear favorite in this qualification group from the start. With players like Son Heung-min from Tottenham, Hwang In-beom from Feyenoord, and Lee Kang-in from PSG, they have every reason to be confident at the AFC level. However, something has gone wrong in their last three matches. They dropped six points after drawing 1–1 against Palestine, Oman, and Jordan. Considering Son is very likely to miss the Thursday match, Iraq may have a solid chance here.

Head-to-Head Stats

Four years ago, the teams drew 0–0 in Seoul in a similar qualifier, while South Korea won 3–0 in the return leg in Doha. In the first round of the current group stage, South Korea claimed a 3–2 win at home.

Prediction

Iraq plays well at home. On top of that, the players will be motivated to impress their new coach. However, South Korea needs to secure their qualification, which they are very capable of doing, given the difference in player quality. The best bet here is that South Korea will not lose and the total goals will be under 3.5, at odds of 1.64.