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Mongolia host Afghanistan at the MFF Football Centre in Ulaanbaatar on Tuesday for the second leg of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying first-round clash.
On Thursday, Afghanistan pulled off a 1-0 victory in the first leg, with Jabar Sharza netting the only goal of the game in the 60th minute.
The Lions of Khorasan now only need a draw to reach the next round, where Qatar, India and Kuwait are waiting in Group A.
Head coach Abdullah Al Mutairi will be tempted to play the same XI as last week in this match, but Lebanon-based striker Omid Popalzay will be gunning to start upfront. He played as the right-back in the first leg.
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Sharza is hoping to start in the attack following his match-winning heroics on Thursday.
As for Mongolia, their winless run in the 2023 calendar year continued. The Blue Wolves have played six games so far, losing five and drawing once. If the side were to progress to the next round, it's imperative for them to pick up a victory.
Changes could be made to the starting XI, with Baljinnyam Batbold looking to come into the attack.
Mongolia vs Afghanistan Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- Afghanistan have won both their previous clashes with Mongolia, and both by the scoreline of 1-0.
- Afghanistan beat Mongolia 1-0 in March 2013 in an AFC Asian Cup qualifier, and then a 1-0 victory last week in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
- In four games this year, Afghanistan have won just once, although it came in their most recent outing.
- Mongolia are winless in their last eight games, including six this year.
- Mongolia have failed to score in their last four international games.
- Afghanistan are ranked 158th in the world whereas Mongolia are in 183rd position.
Mongolia vs Afghanistan Prediction
Afghanistan will be confident of their chances here. Given their 100% win record over Mongolia, as well as the fact that only a draw would be enough for them to advance, the Lions of Khorasan will be happy to sit back here.
The Blue Wolves will come flying out of the blocks, but their poor form this year means it could all end in a draw.
Prediction: Mongolia 1-1 Afghanistan
Mongolia vs Afghanistan Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Result: Draw
Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5: Under 2.5
Tip 3 - Both teams to score: Yes
