June 10th FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC) - South Korea VS Kuwait Prediction
FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC) - South Korea VS Kuwait
Match Time:10-06-2025 19:00 Tuesday (UTC+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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Team Reviews
South Korea (FIFA Rank: 22)
South Korea, known as the Taegeuk Warriors, are a dominant force in Asian football, having qualified for their 11th consecutive FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 win over Iraq on June 5, 2025. Coached by Hong Myung-bo, they lead Group B with 19 points from nine matches, boasting an unbeaten record in the third round (5 wins, 4 draws). Their aim is to finish the qualifiers undefeated and celebrate their World Cup qualification in front of home fans.
Strengths:
Attacking Prowess: Led by captain Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur), South Korea have scored 16 goals in nine matches (1.78 goals per game), with contributions from players like Hyeon-gyu Oh and Jae-sung Lee. Their 5-0 thrashing of Singapore and 3-2 win over Iraq showcase their offensive depth.
Defensive Stability: Conceding only 0.78 goals per game, South Korea’s backline, anchored by Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), is one of the strongest in the AFC. They’ve kept clean sheets in 44% of their third-round matches.
Home Form: South Korea are unbeaten in home qualifiers since 2013, with a 100% win rate in their last three home games in this cycle.
Weaknesses:
Potential Rotation: With qualification secured, Hong Myung-bo may rotate the squad, potentially resting key players like Son, who is reportedly limited to 20-30 minutes if needed, which could affect their cohesion.
Midfield Fatigue: Recent high-intensity matches, such as the 3-2 win over Iraq, may lead to fatigue, especially if key midfielders like Lee Kang-in are rested.
Kuwait (FIFA Rank: 137)
Kuwait, nicknamed Al-Azraq (The Blues), are struggling in Group B, sitting last with 5 points from nine matches (0 wins, 5 draws, 4 losses). They’ve been eliminated from World Cup contention but are playing for pride and a chance to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup via the fourth round.
Strengths:
Resilience in Draws: Kuwait have managed draws against strong teams like Jordan (1-1) and Iraq (0-0), showing they can frustrate opponents with disciplined defending.
Counter-Attacking Threat: Players like Mohammad Daham and Faisal Al-Harbi have provided moments of quality, with Kuwait scoring 7 goals in nine matches (0.78 goals per game).
Weaknesses:
Poor Scoring Record: Kuwait’s attack is one of the weakest in the group, averaging under a goal per game, and they’ve failed to score in 44% of their third-round matches.
Defensive Frailties: Conceding 1.78 goals per game, Kuwait have struggled against top teams, as seen in losses like 0-4 to Qatar and 1-3 to South Korea in the reverse fixture.
Away Form: Kuwait have won only once in their last five away matches across competitions, with a 0-2 loss to Palestine in their most recent away game.
Head-to-Head History
South Korea and Kuwait have a long history, with 25 official matches since 1975:
Total Matches: 25
South Korea Wins: 12 (Total Goals: 36, PPG: 1.44)
Kuwait Wins: 8 (Total Goals: 23, PPG: 0.92)
Draws: 4
Recent Encounter: South Korea won 3-1 in Kuwait on November 14, 2024, with goals from their attacking trio overpowering Kuwait’s defense.
Goal Trends: 60% of their last five meetings have produced over 2.5 goals, with both teams scoring (BTTS) in 40% of those games. The average goals per match in recent head-to-heads is 2.8.
Match Prediction
South Korea enter this match as heavy favorites, having already secured World Cup qualification and aiming to maintain their unbeaten run in Group B. Kuwait, already eliminated, will look to avoid finishing last in the group and gain momentum for Asian Cup qualification.
Key Factors:
South Korea’s Dominance: Their superior FIFA ranking (22 vs. 137), home advantage, and recent 3-1 win over Kuwait in the reverse fixture make them overwhelming favorites. Their 100% home win rate in this cycle adds to their edge.
Kuwait’s Struggles: Kuwait’s inability to win in the third round and their poor away form (0.2 points per game) suggest they’ll struggle against South Korea’s high-pressing style.
Rotation Risks: South Korea’s potential squad rotation could give Kuwait a slight chance to keep the scoreline close, but their depth, with players like Lee Kang-in and Hwang Hee-chan, should still overpower Kuwait.
Venue Impact: Playing at Seoul World Cup Stadium, South Korea benefit from a passionate home crowd, while Kuwait have historically struggled in away qualifiers against top teams.
Statistical Insights:
South Korea: 80% win probability in their last five games, with a 60% Asian Handicap win rate and 40% of matches going over 2.5 goals.
Kuwait: 0% win probability in the third round, with a 20% Asian Handicap win rate and 60% of matches going over 2.5 goals.
Head-to-Head: South Korea have won 3 of their last 5 matches against Kuwait, including a 3-0 forfeit in 2016 due to Kuwait’s FIFA suspension.
Prediction: South Korea’s superior quality, home advantage, and motivation to finish the qualifiers undefeated should lead to a comfortable victory. Kuwait may attempt to frustrate with a defensive setup, but their lack of firepower and defensive vulnerabilities will likely be exposed. Even with potential rotation, South Korea’s depth ensures they dominate.
Final Score Prediction: South Korea 3-0 Kuwait
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