News ID: 318

Date: 10 June 2025 - 14:57

#Team-Melli

Iran Eye Top Spot as They Host North Korea in Final 2026 World Cup Qualifier

IRAN will face North Korea in a decisive home match at Azadi Stadium as they look to secure top position in Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Team Melli will meet North Korea on June 9 at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium in the final group-stage match of the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers.

Iran emerged victorious in the reverse fixture, edging North Korea 3–2 in a thrilling encounter thanks to a brace by Mohammad Mohebi. While Iran managed to control that away match and earn three crucial points in Laos, North Korea proved to be a resilient opponent.

Iran’s unbeaten run in the group came to an end with a narrow 1–0 defeat against Qatar in their previous outing. Despite the loss, Iran remains at the top of Group A with 20 points from nine matches. However, a win in the final home match is essential to guarantee first place and avoid any risk of being overtaken.

North Korea, on the other hand, sits at the bottom of the table with just three points from nine games. With six losses, three draws, and no victories, they hold both the weakest attack (9 goals scored) and defense (18 goals conceded) in the group. Though their position cannot improve even with a win, they have shown flashes of tactical strength against tough sides such as the UAE, Qatar, and Uzbekistan in the first leg.

Historically, Iran has dominated this fixture. In 20 previous meetings, Iran has won 14 times and drawn six, with North Korea never managing a victory—an encouraging statistic for Iranian fans ahead of the crucial encounter.

For Iran, this match is more than just a chance to return to winning ways. It is a vital opportunity to cement their position atop Group A and head into the next stage of qualification with confidence. Ghalenoei’s side, boosted by home support and determined players, must remain vigilant against a North Korean side that has nothing to lose.

📅 Date: June 9, 2025
🏟 Venue: Azadi Stadium, Tehran
🕖 Kick-off: 19:30 local time