Korea DPR vs Qatar Preview & Prediction | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (AFC) | Group A

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Both Korea DPR and Qatar are still searching for their first points in Group following their respective losses in the opening round of fixtures.

KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: UK – 1:00pm / US ET – 8:00am / US PT – 5:00am

HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Not televised / US – Not televised

HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Bet365 & FIFA+ / US – FIFA+

KOREA DPR PREVIEW: MORE ATTACKING POTENCY REQUIRED

A tight contest against Uzbekistan saw Korea DPR wind up on the losing side by one goal to nil. Jaloliddin Masharipov scored the only goal of the game after 20 minutes, leaving Korea DPR still without a point in Group A of the AFC FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Key for Korea DPR will be improving at the business end of the pitch. Showing more cutting edge going forward and forcing the Qatar goalkeeper into action numerous occasions if they are to be successful in this match.

QATAR PREVIEW: DEFENSIVE FRAILITIES PREVALENT

Despite taking the lead in the first half, Qatar failed to keep United Arab Emirates at bay and their backline were eventually overwhelmed in the second half. Three goals were shipped without reply, as Qatar ran out of steam and fell to a 1-3 defeat in Al Rayyan.

Defeat represents a sharp contrast to their group stage campaign in round two, which saw Qatar finish with an unbeaten record of five wins and a draw from six matches played. But already in round three they are playing catch-up.

KOREA DPR TEAM NEWS: COULD BE UNCHANGED DESPITE UZBEKISTAN DEFEAT

PREDICTED XI (3-5-2): Ju-hyok; Ok-chol, J Kuk-chol, Yu-song, Pom-hyok; Chung-song, Kuk-bom, K Kuk-chol, Il-song; Kwang-song, Kun-Jin Kim

UNAVAILABLE:

QUESTIONABLE:

QATAR TEAM NEWS: HATEM IS A CANDIDATE TO COME INTO THE SIDE

PREDICTED XI (3-5-1-1): Barsham; Miguel, Salman, Mendes; I Mohammad, Gaber, Fathy, Hatem, Waad; Afif; Ali

UNAVAILABLE:

QUESTIONABLE:

KOREA DPR VS QATAR PREDICTION

A crucial contest for both nations with defeat for either leaving them with a mountain to climb when it comes to World Cup qualification. With that in mind, expect an attacking style of play from Korea DPR and Qatar. Whilst Qatar are expected to break through Korea DPR, it’s hard to see the Qatari defence being able to shut out their opponents when considering how fragile they looked last time out, so consider backing both teams to score.

KOREA DPR VS QATAR TIP: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE