South Korea vs Iraq Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | World Cup Qualifiers, October 15, 2024

South Korea vs Iraq Preview

Tournament: AFC World Cup Qualifiers.
Date: Tuesday, October 15.
Kick-off Time: 11 AM GMT.
Venue: Yongin Mireu Stadium, South Korea.

The AFC Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup are in full flow and in the 4th batch of fixtures within Group B of the 3rd Round, South Korea takes on Iraq at home. Apart from them, the group also has the likes of Jordan, Oman, Kuwait, and Palestine.

South Korea are of course the favourites to progress from this group and they have played like that too. Of the three games so far, the superstar-laden side have won twice and drawn once. Their only loss in over a year had come against Jordan in the semifinals of the Asian Cup. They are ranked 23rd in the world by FIFA.

Iraq has an identical record in this group, with two wins and a draw. They are yet to concede in this group so far. Their form over a longer period of time has been exceptional too. They have only lost twice since June 2023, one of which came to South Korea themselves. They are presently ranked 55 in the world.

South Korea national football team news

Very worryingly for South Korea, their captain and talisman Heung Min Son is expected to miss this game with some muscle problems. That being said, they have multiple other big stars like Kang In Lee and Kim Min Jae among others. This will be a very difficult game without Son though.

Iraq national football team news

Unlike their opponents, Iraq are free of any significant injury worries. Their form has been great and they will be ready to match the hosts in this game. They are a very difficult side to break down and will severely test South Korea’s quality, especially given the absence of Son as mentioned above.

South Korea vs Iraq head-to-head

In total, of the 25 games played between the two sides, 11 games have ended in a draw. South Korea still enjoys the historical advantage with 9 wins compared to the 5 that Iraq have won.

H2H results

South Korea vs Iraq Predicted lineups

South Korea national football team predicted lineup:

Goalkeeper – Jo

Defenders – Lee, Kim, Cho, Seol

Midfielders – Park, Boem, Sung, Hwang, Lee

Forwards – Joo

Iraq national football team predicted lineup:

Goalkeeper – Hassan

Defenders – Ali, Younnes, Tahseen, Doski

Midfielders – Hadi, Amir, Bayesh, Jasim, Amyn

Forward – Hussein

Key players to watch in South Korea vs Iraq

Kang In Lee (South Korea)

It is now time for Kang In Lee to stand up and make an impact on South Korea on his own. He needs to start taking more of responsibility in the absence of Son Heung Min. For PSG, the talented playmaker has assumed an important role under Luis Enrique. It is now time to do the same for his country.

Aymen Hussein (Iraq)

Aymen Hussein will be Iraq’s most dangerous player in the game against South Korea. The Iraqi striker has been in form for the national team this year, already having scored 6 times. This includes a winner last week against Palestine. He looks like the most likely threat to South Korea from Iraq’s attacking front.

South Korea vs Iraq Prediction

This game has all the makings of an exciting affair. South Korea are without a doubt the favourites to get the win but Iraq are very strong opponent themselves. Ruling them out or taking them for granted can be dangerous. Personally, a goalless draw seems like the most probable outcome.

Prediction: South Korea 0-0 Iraq

Where to watch South Korea vs Iraq live?