North Korea vs Iran Prediction, Preview, Team News, head to Head and Predicted Lineups | AFC World Cup Qualifiers .
Tournament: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Teams: North Korea vs Iran
Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 12 PM GMT
Venue: New Laos National Stadium, Laos
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers progress, North Korea faces Iran in a must-win match on November 14, 2024, at Laos’ New Laos National Stadium. Iran is currently in great form, topping Group A with 10 points from four matches. With three wins and a draw, they lead Uzbekistan on goal difference alone.
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Meanwhile, North Korea faces a steep challenge, positioned at the bottom of the group with two points from four matches, derived from two draws and two losses. This match presents a critical opportunity for North Korea to climb the standings, though overcoming Iran’s solid lineup will require a standout performance.
Group A Standings Overview
Iran’s strong performance so far has made them Group A’s leading team. With three victories and a single draw, they remain undefeated in their qualifiers, yet their top spot is still vulnerable, shared on goal difference with Uzbekistan. Conversely, North Korea’s struggles are clear, yet to secure a victory in the tournament. Their current standing as the last team in Group A, trailing Kyrgyzstan by one point, highlights their uphill battle. Winning this match would be crucial to any remaining hopes for North Korea’s advancement.
North Korea Team News and Strategy
North Korea heads into this matchup with a fully fit squad. The players, largely unknown outside of national appearances, reflect the nation’s unique approach to international football. Despite lacking experience in high-profile club competitions, North Korea’s determination to secure a place in the next stage of the qualifiers cannot be underestimated. Each player’s performance, including promising young talents like Il-Song Ri, will be instrumental in deciding the outcome of the match.
Predicted North Korea National Football Team Lineup (4-4-2)
- Goalkeeper: Ju-Hyok Kang
- Defenders: Sung-Hye Kim, Yu-Song Kim, Kuk-Chol Jang, Ok-Chol Choe
- Midfielders: Il-Song Ri, Kuk-Bom Kim, Kuk-Chol Kang II, Chung-Song Paek
- Attackers: Jo-Guk Ri, Kuk-Jin Kim
Iran Team News and Tactical Setup
Iran will also enter the game with a full roster, allowing them to leverage their best talents against North Korea. Iran’s mix of international experience and local talent will serve them well. The team includes Sardar Azmoun, a prolific goal-scorer who has performed well in both European and Middle Eastern leagues, and Mehdi Taremi, who brings his skill from Porto in Portugal. Together, these players form a potent attacking force.
Predicted Iran National Football Team Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Alireza Beiranvand
- Defenders: Milad Mohammadi, Shoja Khalilzadeh, Ali Nemati, Omid Noorafkan
- Midfielders: Mohammad Karimi, Saeid Ezatolahi
- Forwards: Mehdi Taremi, Mohammad Mohebi, Sardar Azmoun, Medhi Ghayedi
Recent Form and Head to Head, h2h Record
The only previous meeting between North Korea and Iran occurred over a decade ago, in the 2011 Asian Cup Group D match. Iran won the game 1-0, establishing a winning precedent over their upcoming opponents. However, with years gone by, this match will offer a fresh start for both teams to redefine their rivalry.
- Past Encounter: Iran 1-0 North Korea | Asian Cup Group D | January 15, 2011
Key Players to Watch
North Korea National Football Team – Il-Song Ri
20-year-old Il-Song Ri is among North Korea’s emerging talents. Known for his skill on the left wing, he has accumulated nine national team caps and scored twice, one goal each in the earlier qualification rounds against Myanmar and Qatar. As North Korea’s offensive leader, Ri’s creativity and determination could unsettle Iran’s defense.
Iran National Football Team – Sardar Azmoun
Sardar Azmoun, Iran’s star forward, has been a prolific scorer for both his national team and clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia. This season alone, he has netted 11 goals in 13 appearances, demonstrating his potent finishing ability. Azmoun ranks second among Iran’s all-time top scorers, following Ali Daei. His experience and form make him a critical player to watch in this encounter.
Match Prediction
Iran’s impressive run in the qualifiers stands in stark contrast to North Korea’s struggles. Ranked 19th in FIFA’s World Rankings, Iran has been almost unstoppable, with only one loss since the 2022 World Cup. Their recent 4-1 victory over Qatar highlights their quality, while North Korea’s winless record in the qualifiers suggests they’ll need an extraordinary effort to contend.
Given Iran’s offensive strength and defensive resilience, they’re well-positioned to win comfortably. North Korea is expected to battle hard, but Iran’s experience and tactical cohesion will likely be too much for them.
Soccer Baba Predicted Score: North Korea 0-2 Iran
How to Watch North Korea vs Iran Live
For those interested in watching this anticipated match live, the broadcast details for each country are provided below:
| Country | Platform |
|---|---|
| USA | FIFA+ |
| UK | FIFA+ |
| India | FanCode |
| Nigeria | SuperSport |
| South Africa | SuperSport |
| Ghana | SuperSport |
| Ivory Coast | Canal+ |
Quick Facts and Personal Data
North Korea National Football Team Key Player
- Name: Il-Song Ri
- Position: Left-wing
- Caps: 9
- Goals: 2
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Iran National Football Team Key Player
- Name: Sardar Azmoun
- Position: Centre-forward
- Goals (National): 55
- Current Club: Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia)
This preview of North Korea vs Iran in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers brings insights into each team’s form, key players, and lineup predictions.