Iraq vs South Korea prediction 05.06.2025 | World Cup Qualifiers

• Competition: World Cup Qualifiers
• Date: Thursday, 5th June, 2025
• Kickoff: 19:15 UK / 20:15 CEST
• Venue: Basra International Stadium (Basra)

Iraq have not appeared in a World Cup since 1986 in Mexico when they finished their campaign in the Group phase. In these Qualifiers, the popular Lions of Mesopotamia had an excellent start, but a disappointing return of just one point from their matches against Palestine and Kuwait has left them in a difficult position. They are sitting in 3rd place with 12 points from eight rounds - only one point away from the desired second place. However, the last two games in the Qualifiers will be against the 1st and the 2nd-placed teams, South Korea and Jordan, so it will definitely be a challenge. Still, it's a good thing that they will most likely finish in at least 3rd or 4th place, which will give them a chance to at least advance to the fourth qualifying stage.

South Korea, on the other hand, is a team that regularly appears in the World Cups. They have done so in the last ten tournaments while pretty often securing a knockout phase as well. In these Qualifiers, they are once again looking strong and are deservedly in the top spot with 16 points in eight rounds. A positive result in this match would likely mean they have secured another World Cup appearance.

Iraq vs South Korea pick: Both teams to score

Iraq have been a pretty defensive-orientated team in earlier years. However, that has changed in recent matches, and as a result, we saw both teams scoring in the last three games. Also, they are a team that plays a lot better at home, and we believe they can score against most teams there. In the last seven matches, they scored at least once on six occasions - 86%.

South Korea have been fantastic in the qualifiers and are yet to lose a game. In 12 WC Qualifier games (in all three stages), they won seven and drew five while scoring at least a goal on 11 occasions - an incredible 92%.

These teams already met in October 2024 when South Korea won 3:2! Considering all the above, both teams to score bet seems like the best option for this WC Qualifiers tie.