One of the standout fixtures of the 9th round of AFC World Cup 2026 qualifying takes place this Thursday at the Basra International Stadium, where Iraq host South Korea in a high-stakes Group B encounter. With both teams still eyeing qualification, this match offers excellent betting value—especially in the handicap market.
Match Preview
Iraq enters this penultimate qualifier amid turbulence. A 1-2 loss to Palestine followed by a 2-2 draw with Kuwait in March dented their momentum and exposed defensive frailties. Now under the leadership of experienced Australian coach Graham Arnold, the team is in transition, trying to regain stability while still chasing a qualification spot.
Home form remains a key strength—eight points from four home games—and the “Lions of Mesopotamia” will be fully motivated in front of their passionate Basra crowd. But there’s no denying that inconsistency and a recent coaching shift add a layer of unpredictability.
South Korea, meanwhile, haven’t lost in 12 matches, though their spring form raised some eyebrows. A string of three consecutive draws, including a disappointing 1-1 result at home to Jordan, sparked debate around their sharpness. Still, Paulo Bento’s side tops Group B, leads in goals scored (14), and is tied with Iraq for the best defensive record (7 goals conceded).
The Taeguk Warriors boast significant depth and star power—Son Heung-min, Kim Min-jae, and Oh Hyeon-gyu headline a squad valued significantly higher than Iraq’s. They’ve also had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning the last three matchups since 2021.
Probable Lineups
Iraq: Hasan – Yahya, Sulaka, Fayez, Sadun – Doski, Shlemon – Al-Amari, Kadim, Baesh – Hussein
South Korea: Cho – Seol, Cho, Kim, Lee – Hwang, Park – Lee, Lee, Son – Oh
Key Stats and Head-to-Head
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South Korea are unbeaten in their last 12 matches across all competitions.
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Iraq haven’t beaten South Korea since 2007.
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Both teams have conceded only 7 goals in the group stage—the best in Group B.
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South Korea is the top-scoring team in the group with 14 goals.
Prediction and Betting Tip
While Iraq’s home strength can’t be dismissed, the difference in squad depth, structure, and international pedigree leans heavily in favor of South Korea. Their consistency, even when rotating players, has kept them top of the group—and they’ve shown they know how to handle this fixture.
Recommended Bet: South Korea (0) Handicap Win
Odds: 1.55
This Asian handicap bet provides insurance in case of a draw, returning your stake, while offering solid value if the favorites take all three points.
