South Korea vs Palestine Tips - South Korea backed to start 2026 World Cup qualifying third-round with a win

Palestine were hammered 5-0 by Australia in their last game as they made it two without a win. 

This will be the first time the two sides have met in a competitive football match. 

South Korea have been in good form of late, winning their last three matches by an aggregate score of 11-0. 

Their 1-0 win over China in their last game was hardly pretty, but they secured the win to end the second round of World Cup qualifying with five wins and one draw in six. With 20 goals scored and just one conceded in this time, South Kore have looked strong at both ends of the pitch. 

With a Palestine side to come that was hammered 5-0 by Australia in their last match and only scored six goals across their six qualifying games, South Korea will fancy their chances of starting the third round of World Cup qualifying with another impressive win. 

I am also backing Son Heung-Min to continue his impressive scoring form having netted in four of his last five games for his country. 

Palestine looked in decent form heading into the third round of World Cup qualifying with two wins, two draws and one defeat coming from their opening five matches. This was enough to ensure securing second in Group I was in their own hands heading into the final match. 

However, they were humiliated in their final match as they were pummeled 5-0 by Australia as much of their impressive defensive work across the campaign was undone. Fortunately for Palestine, Lebanon could not beat Bangladesh in the final match, meaning the former finished in second in the standings. 

With some very tough opponents to come, Palestine know a strong start is needed, but I do not believe they will make a dent in their strong South Korean defence. Instead, I am backing them to slip to a defeat to nil in their opening match in qualifying.