Iraq vs. South Korea: WCQ Match Preview, Odds & Prediction

On Thursday night, in a match for the AFC World Cup qualification, South Korea will meet Iraq at the Basra International Stadium. The two countries are now ranked in the top four in Group B, and both are still hoping to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Previous Matches and Head-to-head

Iraq, ranked 59th in the world by FIFA, may still qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986 with two Group B matches remaining.

However, their chances of finishing in the top two are in jeopardy due to a decline in form. Iraq has lost two of its last five matches, with its only victory coming in a 1-0 away win against Oman, a 2-2 home draw with Kuwait, and a 2-1 loss to Palestine in March. They are currently in third position in Group B, with a one-point differential between their last two matches ensuring they advance to the fourth round of qualification. 

With just one point between them and second-placed Jordan, they will aim for a top-two finish and automatic qualifying. If South Korea defeats Iraq and Jordan loses to Oman, they will qualify for the 2026 World Cup together with Japan and Iran, two other Asian teams. With four wins and four draws out of eight qualifiers under their belt, the Taegeuk Warriors, coached by Hong Myung-bo, now sit three points ahead of second-place Jordan.

Iraq vs. South Korea Team News

Due to injury, right-back Mustafa Saadoon has withdrawn from the Iraqi squad, and players like Hussein Ali Al-Saedi (50 caps) and Amjad Attwan (84 caps) have been left out despite having been in a preliminary squad.

As captain, Aymen Hussein is set to spearhead the attack with Youssef Amyn and Ali Jasim of Como, with Rebin Sulaka aiming to win his 50th cap in defense. Hussein has scored 32 goals for Iraq in their history.

South Korea's 26-man roster features, among other notable names, Son Heung-min, captain of Tottenham Hotspur and winner of the Europa League. Heung-min has 133 caps and is now four short of being the nation's record-holder for appearances.

The starting lineup for PSG's next match will include Lee Kang-in, who is coming off a Champions League victory, Wolves' Hwang Hee-chan, Celtic's Yang Hyun-jun, and Son in the center of the attack.

Since Kim Min-Jae, a central defender for Bayern Munich, did not cut this month's team, Cho Yu-min and Kwon Kyung-won will likely start at center defense.

Our predictions

S/Korea to win @ 2.16 on Sky247.ng

Iraq is confident in its ability to score in Thursday's encounter, as it has done in seven of its past nine international matches. However, South Korea is considered the favorite and, with a good roster, should be able to prevail in Basra.

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