- Fixture: South Korea vs Kuwait
- Date: 10 June 2025
- Venue: Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Competition: AFC 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, Third Round, Matchday 10
Match Preview
South Korea welcome Kuwait to the Seoul World Cup Stadium for the final matchday of the AFC 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. The hosts have already secured their spot at the World Cup, sitting atop Group B with an unbeaten record, while Kuwait languish at the bottom, eliminated from contention and seeking a positive end to a difficult campaign.
South Korea come into this fixture in strong form, having snapped a run of three consecutive 1-1 draws with a convincing 2-0 away win over Iraq last week. That result not only solidified their dominance in the group but also ensured their 11th consecutive World Cup qualification. The Taegeuk Warriors have been defensively solid, conceding just seven goals in nine matches, and offensively effective, averaging nearly two goals per game.
Kuwait, by contrast, are enduring a frustrating qualifying campaign. Their most recent outing was a 0-2 home defeat against Palestine, marking a sixth consecutive competitive match without victory and confirming their last-place finish in the group. The team has struggled at both ends of the pitch, scoring only seven goals while conceding 16 in nine qualifiers. Their last win came in the Arabian Gulf Cup group stage back in December 2024, and since then, inconsistency and a lack of attacking threat have plagued their performances.
Injuries and suspensions are not expected to significantly impact either side. South Korea have no major absentees reported, while Kuwait are able to field a full-strength squad, though their issues have been more about form and cohesion than missing personnel. The last meeting between these teams, in November 2024, ended in a 3-1 victory for South Korea in Kuwait, with the Koreans dominating possession and chances.
Key Players
- South Korea:
- Son Heung-min – The Tottenham Hotspur forward has been prolific in qualifying, netting 10 goals and leading the attack with his trademark pace and finishing.
- Hwang Hee-chan – The Wolves attacker provides dynamism and has chipped in with crucial goals and assists.
- Kim Min-jae – The Bayern Munich centre-back anchors a disciplined defense that has been difficult to breach.
- Kuwait:
- Yousef Nasser – The veteran striker remains Kuwait’s most reliable goal threat, recently scoring a brace in a 2-2 draw with Iraq.
- Fahad Al-Hajeri – The experienced defender will be tasked with containing Korea’s attacking stars.
- Shabaib Al-Khaldi – A creative midfielder who can unlock defenses when given space.
Prediction
All signs point to another dominant performance from South Korea. Their superior quality, home advantage, and momentum make them overwhelming favorites against a Kuwait side low on confidence and already eliminated. Expect the hosts to control possession, create numerous chances, and finish their qualifying campaign in style. Kuwait’s defensive approach may keep the scoreline respectable for a while, but South Korea’s attacking talent should eventually break through.
Predicted Score: South Korea 3-0 Kuwait
Betting Markets & Odds
| Market | Odds (Fractional) | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea to Win | 1/10 | Bet Now |
| Draw | 13/2 | Bet Now |
| Kuwait to Win | 16/1 | Bet Now |
| South Korea -1.5 Handicap | 4/7 | Bet Now |
| South Korea to Win to Nil | 8/13 | Bet Now |
| Under 3.5 Goals | 4/5 | Bet Now |
| Son Heung-min Anytime Scorer | 19/20 | Bet Now |
| Correct Score 3-0 | 8/1 | Bet Now |
South Korea’s quest for an unbeaten qualifying campaign should culminate in a comfortable victory in Seoul. Expect a professional performance, with Son Heung-min likely to add to his goal tally, and the home fans leaving with plenty to cheer about.
