The Matchday 10 clash of the third stage in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers between Iran and North Korea will take place on June 10 at the Imam Reza Stadium in Mashhad. Iran vs. North Korea: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Predicted lineups for Iran vs. North Korea
Iran: Alireza Beiranvand – Sadegh Moharrami, Hossein Kanaanizadegan, Shoja Khalilzadeh, Milad Mohammadi – Vahid Amiri, Saeid Ezatolahi, Ali Gholizadeh, Mehdi Torabi – Sardar Azmoun, Mehdi Taremi.
North Korea: Ri Myong-guk – Sim Hyon-jin, Jang Kuk-chol, Kim Chol-bom, Kang Kuk-chol – Ri Yong-jik, Kim Yong-il, Kim Song-guk, Pak Kwang-ryong – Jong Il-gwan, Han Kwang-song.
Iran
Iran's national team comes into this match following a 2-0 victory over Iraq in their previous qualifier. This win extended their unbeaten streak in the qualifiers to seven matches (5 wins, 2 draws). Iran has been solid defensively, conceding only three goals in this campaign. With 17 points, they are currently at the top of their group and are looking to secure a direct spot in the World Cup with a win against North Korea.
- Iran has not lost in regular time in their last 10 home matches in World Cup qualifiers (8 wins, 2 draws).
- They have kept a clean sheet in 6 of their last 7 home games in this tournament.
- The number "2" has appeared in the scoreline at the end of regular time in 4 of Iran's last 5 home matches in World Cup qualifiers.
North Korea
North Korea's national team suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to South Korea in their last outing. The team has struggled in the qualifiers, managing just one win in their last five matches (1 win, 1 draw, 3 losses). With only 4 points, North Korea is at the bottom of their group and needs a win to keep their slim hopes of qualification alive.
- North Korea has not won in regular time in their last five away matches in World Cup qualifiers (2 draws, 3 losses).
- No more than two goals have been scored in 90 minutes in 4 of North Korea's last 6 away games in this tournament.
- At least one of the opponents failed to score in regular time in 4 of North Korea's last 6 away matches in World Cup qualifiers.
Iran vs. North Korea: Match Prediction
Iran has been dominant at home, showcasing a strong defense and effective attack. The team is expected to maintain their form against a struggling North Korea side. Despite their challenges, North Korea has shown resilience in defense, which could make it difficult for Iran to score freely.
Considering all factors, I do not expect this match to be high-scoring. My prediction: Total under 2.5 goals
