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March 18 2025, 16:14 · Alex Lawes

Iraq vs Kuwait Preview & Prediction | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying (AFC)

Iraq vs Kuwait Preview & Prediction | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying (AFC)
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Iraq sit tucked inside the top two and automatic qualification spots in Group B as they chase a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup ahead of taking a Kuwait still winless after their six matches.

Kick-off date/time: Thursday 20th March, 2025: UK – 6:15pm / US ET – 2:15pm / US PT – 11:15am

How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – Not televised

How to watch online: UK – Bet365 & FIFA+ / US – FIFA+

Key Stats

  • Iraq have lost only one of their last 15 World Cup qualifying matches (W10 D4).
  • Iraq have won six and drawn one of their last seven World Cup qualifying matches in Iraq.
  • Iraq have kept nine clean sheets in their last 11 World Cup qualifying matches.
  • Kuwait have lost only two of their last eight World Cup qualifying matches (W1 D5).
  • Kuwait have won only one of their last ten World Cup qualifying matches (D5 L4).

Iraq vs Kuwait Prediction

Iraq have played at one FIFA World Cup, which was back in Mexico in 1986, whilst Kuwait have also played at just one global event, that coming four years before that in Spain in 1982. Only one of them have a realistic chance of making it two next year in North America.

Iraq have reached the knockout stages of every AFC Asian Cup since they were banned for the 1992 event due to the Gulf War. However, they have underwhelmed on the global stage until this campaign. Coached by Jesus Casas, ‘the Lions of Mesopotamia’ are tucked inside the top two and the automatic qualifying spots in Group B of the second round of AFC qualification.

They now face a Kuwait side that have struggled throughout this second round, though, with four draws and two defeats in their six matches. They have also conceded 11 goals in those six games, most recently sharing a 1-1 draw with Jordan before then losing to Bahrain in the semi-finals of the Gulf Cup in December.

Iraq, with their home advantage, would be expected to overcome a poor Kuwait side as they appear destined for a return to the global stage for the first time in 40 years.

Iraq vs Kuwait Tip: Iraq to win

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