Preview and predictions for the North Korea vs Iran World Cup Qualifiers match: Dive into expert insights, team analysis, and key players to watch in this exciting clash. Discover who has the edge as these two nations battle for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
North Korea vs Iran Preview
- Game: World Cup Qualifier
- Date: Thu, Nov 14,8:00 PM
- Win Probability:North Korea 10%,Iran 69%, Draw 21%
- Score Prediction: North Korea 1-2 Iran
- Venue: New Lao National Stadium
Odds and Predictions
The odds strongly favor an Iran win, with their away victory probability at 1.34, reflecting their impressive form and historical performance. On the other hand, North Korea’s odds for a home win are high at 9.0, while a draw stands at 4.65. The AI model’s top recommendation is an away win with a confidence level of 7.1 out of 10, supported by Iran’s strong recent record.
Why Iran is the Favorite
Iran’s dominance in AFC qualifiers is well-known. Winning seven of their last ten matches, Iran has consistently outperformed their opponents. They average 2.0 goals scored and 0.7 goals conceded per game, demonstrating balanced strength in both defense and attack. With a 51% average possession rate and 15 shots per game, Iran’s ability to create scoring chances makes them a formidable force.
North Korea’s Challenge
Despite being the underdog, North Korea has shown they shouldn’t be underestimated. They recently drew 1-1 with the UAE away, defying the odds and proving their ability to surprise. However, with only three wins in their last ten matches and an average possession of 44.2%, North Korea faces a challenging task against a strong Iranian side.
Goals and Scoreline Prediction
The predicted final score is a competitive 2-1 victory for Iran, suggesting North Korea has a chance to score. The AI system forecasts a halftime score of 1-0 in favor of Iran, indicating an early lead for the away side. With a confidence level of 1.1, the over/under bet is under 3.5 goals, aligning with historical data, where only 27.5% of matches have exceeded 3.5 goals.
Possession and Shots Analysis
Iran is expected to control the game with 59% possession, leveraging their tactical strength to dictate the pace. North Korea’s possession is estimated at 41%, with a likely focus on counterattacks and set pieces. Predicted total shots are 9 for North Korea and 15 for Iran, with each team projected to have 4 shots on target, suggesting a fairly balanced match in terms of goal-scoring opportunities.
Set Pieces and Discipline
A limited total of 5 corners is expected—2 for North Korea and 3 for Iran—indicating that open play might be more influential than set pieces in this match. Both teams are predicted to receive 2 yellow cards each, signaling a competitive but fair contest.
Historical Context and Betting Insights
In the AFC qualifiers, home teams have a win rate of 44.4%, while away teams win 29.6% of the time, and draws occur 26.1% of the time. Bettors might consider a draw as a viable option, although Iran’s form makes this outcome less likely. It’s worth noting that both teams have scored in 40.1% of past matches, which could influence “both teams to score” betting strategies.
World Cup Qualifiers STANDINGS GROUP A
Conclusion: Betting Strategy
For bettors, the best tip remains an away win for Iran at odds of 1.34, backed by their recent form and statistical advantage. While North Korea’s resilience is noteworthy, Iran’s consistency and tactical edge make them the safer bet. Given the predicted score and historical goal trends, betting on under 3.5 goals is also a solid option.
In summary, this match offers plenty of betting opportunities, with Iran’s strength and North Korea’s unpredictability adding layers of intrigue. As always, bettors should consider odds, predictions, and their own insights to make informed choices.
