Uzbekistan vs Korea DPR Preview & Prediction | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (AFC) | Group A
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Unbeaten in their last four competitive fixtures, Uzbekistan appear well-placed to extend that run here, by getting the better of Korea DPR.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: UK – 3:00pm / US ET – 10:00am / US PT – 7:00am
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Not televised / US – Not televised
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Bet365 & FIFA+ / US – FIFA+
UZBEKISTAN PREVIEW: ONLY GOAL DIFFERENCE DENIES THEM TOP SPOT IN LAST GROUP
Uzbekistan deserves huge credit for a superb showing across the group stage of the second qualifying round, finishing in second-place with the same number of points as first-placed Iran, whose superior goal difference gave them the edge. Uzbekistan scored 13 goals across their six games compared to Iran’s 16.
Although Korea DPR will be their first opponents in Group A of the third FIFA World Cup qualifying round, they will reacquaint themselves with Iran in October with games against the likes of Qatar and the UAE also to come.
KOREA DPR PREVIEW: BEATING SYRIA AND MYANMAR TO THIRD ROUND PLACE
Korea DPR were always going to be in a three-team battle for second-place behind Japan in the race to reach round three. In the end, they won the race ahead of both Syria and Myranmar. Three wins was enough to get the job done for Korea DPR, who finished on nine points overall.
They’ll need players such as Ri Jo-guk to be at their best across the third round of qualification if they are to stand a chance of making it to the FIFA World Cup with plenty of formidable opposition ahead for them to face.
UZBEKISTAN TEAM NEWS: THREE AT THE BACK LIKELY FOR HOSTS
PREDICTED XI (3-5-2): Yusupov; Alikulov, Khusanov, Ashurmatov; Turgunboev, Shukurov, Masharipov, Hamrobekov, Sayfiyev; Shomurodov, Erkinov
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
KOREA DPR TEAM NEWS: CONVENTIAL 4-4-2 COULD BE ON THE CARDS
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): J. Kang; Choe, Jang, K. Kang, Y. Kim; I. Ri, Han, K. Kim, P. Kim; Paek, J. Ri
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
UZBEKISTAN VS KOREA DPR PREDICTION
Uzbekistan head into this game in good form and with momentum in their favour. Expect a highly offensive playstyle from them as they look to try and breach the Korea DPR backline early on. However, whilst it’s hard to see Korea DPR shutting out Uzbekistan for the whole 90 minutes, they could very well be afforded chances on the counter attack and backing both teams to score warrants serious consideration.
UZBEKISTAN VS KOREA DPR TIP: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
