Group A: DPR Korea 2-3 IR Iran

It was an eventful match for Mehdi Taremi who created all three Iran goals but also scored on own goal before missing a penalty as his side, who were reduced to 10 men in the 51st minute, took a giant step towards the FIFA World Cup 2026 with 13 points at the halfway stage.
image content
DPR Korea, seeking their first win of the campaign, had the first shot on target in the fifth minute through Han Kwang Song’s drilled long range attempt that was comfortably fielded by Iran custodian Alireza Beiranvand.

Iran responded with efforts of their own, primarily through star forward Mehdi Taremi who scuffed a first volley before two subsequent shots from outside the box that had Kang Ju Hyok at full stretch to deny the Inter Milan player.
image content
The Central Asian side were firmly in control after that and got the breakthrough in the 29th minute when Taremi dropped deeper to pick up the ball before sending Mehdi Ghayedi through to sweep home past a stranded Kang.

Taremi once again showed his creativity with four minutes left in the first half, turning into space at the edge of the box before teeing up Mohammad Mohebbi for a rasping shot into the top corner.
image content
DPR Korea’s defence was punished again in the 45th minute as Taremi picked up a hat-trick of assists, finding Mohebbi for another unstoppable shot, this time to the bottom corner.

The complexion of the game changed five minutes into the second half when Shojae Khalilzadeh made a last man foul on Ri Go Juk, prompting referee Sadullo Gulmurodi to show a straight red card to the Iranian centre-back.
image content
DPR Korea took advantage to pull one back in the 56th minute when Taremi inadvertently steered Kang Kuk Chol’s cross past Beiranvand.

It became only a one-goal margin three minutes later when DPR Korea’s corner kick routine caught Iran’s defence out with Jang Kuk Chol’s header across goal bundled in by Kim Yu Song.
image content
Iran had a chance to squash DPR Korea’s revival hopes when they were given a penalty in the 65th minute after a VAR check but Kang stood tall to push away Taremi’s spot-kick.

There were opportunities for DPR Korea to snatch a late draw but Ri couldn’t keep his shots on target on two occasions as Iran hung on to edge closer to a direct qualification spot.

Iran face Kyrgyz Republic on Tuesday while DPR Korea take on Uzbekistan.
MATCH STATS