Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the 2026 World Cup Qualifier match.
It's clear that Kyrgyzstan and North Korea aren’t in contention for a spot in the 2026 World Cup, as they face considerably stiff competition from the top teams in the Asian region. Heading into their head-to-head match in the fourth round, both sides are positioned as table outsiders.
Kyrgyzstan
In 2024, Kyrgyzstan managed only three victories out of 13 matches, with the last win coming back in March—seven games ago. This autumn, the team have suffered three consecutive defeats, conceding a total of seven goals. Against Qatar (1:3) on Thursday, they mustered just three shots on target. Against their competitors, Kyrgyzstan are likely to stick with a five-defender setup, which helps them better handle opposing attacks.
North Korea
North Korea have started this stage of the World Cup 2026 qualifiers slightly better than their upcoming opponent. Out of a possible nine points, the team have collected only two, yet their defensive solidity has effectively challenged opponents. When playing away against the United Arab Emirates (1:1), they allowed just one shot on target—a statistic they will likely aim to replicate.
Kyrgyzstan vs North Korea Prediction
The upcoming match in Bishkek is unlikely to feature an abundance of chances. Kyrgyzstan and North Korea are expected to have a balanced encounter where the fate of the three points could hinge on a fortuitous attacking moment.
