As Iran continues its journey towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup, tIran vs North Korea at the Lao National Stadium in their fifth AFC World Cup qualifying match. Iran leads their group with ten points from four games, while North Korea lags behind in last place with only two points. Here’s a detailed preview of what fans and analysts can expect as the two teams prepare for Thursday’s high-stakes clash.
Match Preview
North Korea’s Struggles in Qualifying North Korea, under head coach Yong-Nam Sin, has struggled to make a significant impact in their group. Their recent 1-0 loss to Kyrgyzstan on October 15 highlighted their weaknesses, particularly on offense. North Korea only managed two shots on target and failed to create any substantial scoring opportunities in that match. Despite these struggles, North Korea still has a chance to progress to the fourth round of World Cup qualifying. They sit only two points behind the third and fourth spots, which offer additional paths to qualification.
In four group games so far, North Korea has scored just three goals and conceded five, ranking them as the least effective offense and one of the weakest defenses in the group. for the game Iran vs North Korea, The team has also been in poor overall form, winless in their last six matches across competitions, with three losses and three draws. However, North Korea has managed to secure victories in two of their last three World Cup qualifying home games, suggesting some familiarity with home turf advantages.
Iran’s Strong Form and Stellar Record Iran, on the other hand, comes into this game riding a wave of confidence following their 4-1 victory over Qatar. In that game, they recovered quickly after conceding an early goal, ultimately dominating with four unanswered goals. Iran has been consistently strong on the international stage, having qualified for the last three World Cups and demonstrating impressive form under coach Amir Ghalenoei, who took over in March 2023. Ghalenoei has led Iran to 21 wins, four draws, and just one loss, a testament to his effective management.
The “Persian Stars” have won six of their last eight matches, scoring 16 goals and conceding only three. Their recent World Cup Qualifying record is equally impressive, with eight wins and three draws in their last eleven qualifiers. Iran is also unbeaten in their last 13 away games, securing victories in 11 of them, which gives them an edge as they face North Korea away from home.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
North Korea’s Expected Lineup North Korea is likely to adopt a 4-4-2 formation. Defensive duties are expected to fall to center-backs Kuk Chol Jang and Kim Yu Song, while Kuk Chol Kang and Kim Kuk Bom may form a central midfield partnership. In attack, the North Korean team may rely on the front pairing of Kuk-jin Kim and Jo-guk Ri to find the net.
North Korea Probable Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Kang
- Defense: Choe, Kuk Chol Jang, Kim Yu Song, Kim Song
- Midfield: Chung-song, Kuk Chol Kang, Kim Kuk Bom, Il-song
- Attack: Kuk-jin Kim, Jo-guk Ri
Iran’s Expected Lineup Iran will likely field a similar lineup to the one that successfully defeated Qatar. Coach Ghalenoei may opt for a back four featuring Milad Mohammadi, Shoja Khalilzadeh, Ali Nemati, and Omid Noorafkan. Seyed Mohammad Karimi and Saeid Ezatolahi could start in midfield. Iran’s potent attack is expected to include Sardar Azmoun as the central striker, supported by Mehdi Taremi in an advanced role, along with Mohammad Mohebi and Alireza Jahanbakhsh on the wings.
Iran Probable Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Beiranvand
- Defense: Mohammadi, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Noorafkan
- Midfield: Karimi, Ezatolahi
- Attack: Mohebi, Taremi, Jahanbakhsh; Azmoun
Key Players to Watch
- Anthony Davis (North Korea) – Known for his tenacity and defensive skills, Davis will be crucial in holding back Iran’s high-powered attack.
- LeBron James (Iran) – As the team’s playmaker, James’ ability to score and assist will be instrumental in Iran’s offensive strategy.
- Mehdi Taremi (Iran) – A dynamic forward, Taremi has the potential to break through North Korea’s defense with his creativity and finishing skills.
Match Prediction: North Korea 1-4 Iran
Given Iran’s recent form and strong away record, they are the clear favorites in this matchup. With their prolific scoring and solid defensive record, Iran should be able to capitalize on North Korea’s weaknesses in both attack and defense. North Korea’s home advantage may help them find the net once, but Iran’s superior squad and momentum make a dominant victory likely.
