On Tuesday afternoon, Thailand and South Korea go head-to-head at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Group C of Asian qualifying for World Cup 2026.
Thailand aiming to end recent winless runThailand drew 1-1 against Tuesday’s opponents last time out, meaning they failed to win in their previous four international outings.
The draw was another low-scoring international match for Thailand, as four of their previous five games have produced under 2.5 goals.
Despite the lack of recent wins, Thailand is still hanging on to second place in Group C but is only ahead of third-place China courtesy of a superior goal difference.
Thailand’s recent home qualifying record is poor. They have suffered back-to-back defeats against Malaysia and China in home qualifiers. They have also won just once in their last ten games in World Cup qualifying on home soil.
South Korea is still looking for a return to winning waysThe draw in the reverse fixture means the Taegeuk Warriors are now winless in six games over 90 minutes. However, on the flip side, South Korea has also suffered just one defeat in their last 15 international games.
The visitors also lead Group C, picking up seven points from their opening three matches.
Their status at the top of the Group is not surprising, as South Korea has won seven of their previous nine matches in qualifying for the World Cup and kept clean sheets in all seven victories.
South Korea has a strong recent away record in World Cup qualifying, having won four of their last five qualifiers on their travels.
Their main strength away from home in qualifiers has been in defence, as they have kept clean sheets in eight of their previous ten away games in qualifying.
What am I backing?I predict that this game will be as nearly as close as the reverse fixture. However, the bet I am backing is a narrow South Korea win, as the visitors have the knack of winning on their travels in qualifying.