South Korea vs Paraguay Prediction: A share of the spoils looks likely in Seoul

South Korea were unbeaten in World Cup qualifying, but were put in their place in Friday's 5-0 defeat to Brazil in Seoul. They next face Paraguay on Tuesday and, while a similarly heavy defeat is unlikely, the disciplined Albirroja are unlikely to give too much away.

The defeat to Brazil will not just have impacted the Teageuk Warriors' confidence, but also their world ranking. In fact, another loss could damage their seeding for the World Cup draw in December. Avoiding defeat on Tuesday is therefore pivotal and the touring Paraguay side may oblige, with a draw between the teams forecast. Below you can find my South Korea vs Paraguay (12:00 BST) predictions. 

Team news

Home coach Hong Myung-bo may give the players who flopped against Brazil another chance, with Son Heung-min set to lead the line, flanked by Lee Kang-in and Lee Jae-sung.

Kim Min-Jae is expected to be the central figure in a three-man defence, while for Paraguay, former West Ham defender Fabian Balbuena's ankle injury means Gustavo Gomez and Sunderland's Omar Alderete are expected to continue in the back four.

World Cup Odds

Striker Isidro Pitta and ex-Nottingham Forest winger Ramon Sosa are each out with thigh injuries.

However, former Newcastle man Miguel Almiron is fit to start in the front line, with Brighton's Diego Gomez also expected to feature in midfield.

South Korea vs Paraguay Odds

South Korea are 13/10 favourites, with Paraguay 11/5 and the draw 23/10.

The pair drew 2-2 when they last met in June 2022, and that outcome is available at 12/1.

Draw @ 23/10  

It was a draw in June 2022 and another tie might be the answer between the two teams on Tuesday as their respective squads look to get through this game unscathed before heading back to their club sides.

South Korea may feel they owe their fans a performance after their shellacking from the Selecao, but they might also bear in mind the situation surrounding their World Cup seeding, which could limit Hong's team in their attacking ambition.

Gustavo Alfaro's visitors' qualification through the arduous CONMEBOL process shows they are a solid outfit.

After drawing 2-2 against Japan earlier in this break, everything points to another tie, with 1-1 available at 11/1.

Diego Gomez to score @ 4/1 

Diego Gomez joined Brighton from Inter Miami at the start of 2025 and is beginning to get more minutes, most notably netting four goals in the Seagulls' 6-0 EFL Cup win at Barnsley.

The 22-year-old's improvement has led to inevitable rumours of his leaving the Amex to join Chelsea and scoring against Japan on Friday has only added to the hype.

He is again expected to start in Seoul and is priced well to net again.

Offers

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