Iran vs Turkmenistan
As the world gears up for another exciting episode of football, the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers bring us an intriguing match-up between Iran and Turkmenistan, set to take place on Thursday, March 21st, 2024. With both teams eyeing a spot in the world’s biggest football tournament, this game promises to be more than just a qualifier.
The Stage Is Set
Last we saw the Iranian team in action was in February 2024, during the AFC Asian Cup semifinal, where they faced a narrow defeat against Qatar with a score of 3-2. Despite an early lead by Sardar Azmoun, Iran could not clinch the victory. However, undeterred, Team Melli is now focusing on the qualifiers, their last game ending in a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan.
On the other hand, Turkmenistan is coming off a 2-0 loss to Kazakhstan in a friendly, alongside a 2-2 draw against Hong Kong in their last qualifier match in November 2023. Positioned third in Group E, Turkmenistan trails behind Iran, who leads with four points.
Historical Clashes and Numbers
This upcoming game marks the third meeting between the two sides, with previous encounters during the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers seeing Iran with a win and a draw against Turkmenistan. Despite their mixed recent form, Iran boasts an impressive record, having gone 18 games unbeaten before their defeat to Qatar. On the contrary, Turkmenistan has struggled to find victory, remaining winless in their last 10 international outings.
- Eleven of Iran’s last 13 games have ended with over 2.5 goals.
- Six of Iran’s recent eight matches witnessed both teams scoring.
- Iran is ranked 20th globally, starkly contrasted by Turkmenistan’s 141st position in the latest FIFA World Rankings.
Prediction Corner
Given the stark difference in both teams’ recent performances and their historical head-to-head record, it’s clear that Iran enters this match as the overwhelming favorite. Combining their higher ranking, home advantage, and stronger squad depth, Iran is expected to dominate this game.
We predict a comfortable win for Iran, possibly even securing a clean sheet against Turkmenistan.
Prediction: Iran 3-0 Turkmenistan
Betting Tips:
- Tip 1 – Iran to win
- Tip 2 – Both teams to score: No
- Tip 3 – Over 2.5 goals
- Tip 4 – First half/Fulltime result: Iran/Iran
The anticipation for this match is sky-high as Iran aims to bolster their qualification hopes, while Turkmenistan seeks a historic upset. Both teams have everything to play for, making this qualifier a must-watch for football fans around the globe.
Further Reading
For those interested in exploring more about these teams and their journey in the AFC World Cup qualifiers, here are some valuable insights you might find interesting:
- Iran’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Turkmenistan in their last encounter.
- The absence of Iran’s key goalkeeper, Payam Niazmand, in the upcoming matches against Turkmenistan.
- A comprehensive preview of the Iran vs. Turkmenistan match, including possible lineups and team news.
As March 21st draws closer, the excitement only builds up. Will Iran continue their quest for World Cup glory, or will Turkmenistan pull off an unforgettable upset? Only time will tell.
also read:How is Bangladesh Preparing for the Football Match against Palestine?
Divya 
Mehek