Hong Kong - Iran predictions and free betting tips [06/06/2024]

On Thursday, 6 June, as part of the fifth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifying tournament, the Hong Kong national team will host the Iranian national team on their home ground. With 10 points, the visitors have secured a spot in the third round of qualification, while the hosts are at the bottom of the standings and have no tournament motivation.

Stadium

The match will take place at the Hong Kong Stadium in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong has never appeared in World Cup finals, and this time will be no different. Currently, the hosts occupy the last place in Group E, trailing the second spot by 9 points with two rounds remaining, making it impossible for them to progress to the third round of Asian qualifiers. In the first four matches, Jorn Andersen's charges earned just one point—last November in a home game against Turkmenistan (2:2).

Otherwise, the white-and-reds lost to Iran (4:0) and Uzbekistan twice in March (0:2 at home and 3:0 away). This debacle marked the end of Andersen's nearly three-year tenure with the national team, and now under Wolfgang Luisser, Hong Kong will aim to finish the qualifying cycle on a high note. Notably, after a 55-year absence, Hong Kong returned to the Asian Cup in 2023 but did not shine there (3 losses). The squad is completely unknown to the general public.

Iran

Iran is a regular participant in major international tournaments: the national team has competed in the last three World Cups and aims to make it a fourth consecutive appearance in 2026. Team Melli has already secured a spot in the third round of Asian qualifiers (9 points ahead of third place). Currently, the visitors top Group E, level on points with Uzbekistan. In Uzbekistan, the Tricolours drew 2:2, but they were unstoppable afterwards.

They won twice against Hong Kong (4:0) and Turkmenistan (5:0 at home and 0:1 away). It's important to note that the visitors are unbeaten in their last ten away matches across all competitions. Furthermore, the Iran national team reached the semi-finals of the recent Asian Cup but were defeated by Qatar (2:3). 

Head-to-Head

In the first round, the Iran national team won on their home ground with a score of 4:0. The teams have also faced each other in the group stage of the Asian Cup, where the Tricolours earned a narrow victory (0:1).

Prediction for the Match Hong Kong – Iran

Iran demonstrated their superiority in the first-round duel and should have no problems securing a win on Thursday. The hosts no longer have any tournament motivation and have settled at the bottom of the group standings. Not only in terms of experience but also in player selection, the Tricolours surpass their opponent, so we confidently back Iran to win with a -2.5 handicap.

Prediction for the Total

Iran possesses an exceptionally strong attacking line-up by Asian standards and will likely score a couple of goals. Betting on the visitors' individual total over 2.5 seems prudent.

Prediction for Corners

The visitors significantly outclass their opponent and will attack far more frequently. I back Iran to win the corners with a -3.5 handicap.

Prediction for Yellow Cards

The hosts will spend much of their time in defence, trying to contain the star-studded attack. Betting on the white-and-reds to win in yellow cards with a -1.5 handicap appears favourable.

Prediction for the Score

I predict a 0:3 victory for the Iran national team.