Belgium vs Iran Betting Odds, Lineups, Prediction & Best Bets

Belgium vs Iran Match Summary

Belgium and Iran meet in a pivotal Group G showdown at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, with both teams desperate to claim a first win of the tournament.

Belgium salvaged a 1-1 draw against Egypt on Matchday 1, needing an own goal from Mohamed Hany to rescue a point.

Iran showed serious resilience in their opener, twice coming from behind to earn a 2-2 draw against New Zealand and proving they belong on this stage.

This is the first-ever senior meeting between these two nations, and the stakes are enormous — the loser faces a near-must-win finale to survive the group.

Belgium vs Iran Form

Belgium controlled possession against Egypt but looked vulnerable in defensive transition before an Egypt own goal bailed them out. Kevin De Bruyne remains the creative engine, and Jérémy Doku offers the kind of one-on-one threat that can stretch any backline. The question is whether this transitional squad can convert dominance into goals against an organized opponent.

Iran's 2-2 draw with New Zealand was a statement of character. Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun — both battle-tested in European club soccer — give Iran a legitimate attacking threat, while Saeid Ezatolahi provides a physical shield in midfield. Iran will sit deep, focus on defensive structure, and look to hit Belgium with direct, vertical passes into the front two.

Belgium vs Iran Lineups & Team News

Injuries & Suspensions

Belgium: Zeno Debast (Injured/doubtful)

Iran: Roozbeh Cheshmi (Injured/doubtful), Saman Ghoddos (Injured/doubtful)

Belgium

Zeno Debast will remain sidelined for Belgium, which should allow Nathan Ngoy and Brandon Mechele to start in defense again. Youri Tielemens and Amadou Onana are set to start in midfield, with Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku providing the attacking threat. It remains to be seen whether Romelu Lukaku is fit enough to start this game, he made a positive impact from the bench against Egypt.

Iran

Roozbeh Cheshmi missed out on Iran's first group game through injury, and is a doubt ahead of this game. Saman Ghoddos was forced off with an ankle problem against New Zealand, but could recover in time to start against Belgium. Mehdi Ghayedi could start in place of Arya Yousefi, with Mehdi Taremi and Shahriyar Moghanlou likely to partner each other in attack.

Belgium vs Iran Predicted Lineup

Belgium

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Starting Lineup: T. Courtois; T. Meunier, N. Ngoy, B. Mechele, M. De Cuyper; A. Onana, Y. Tielemans; L. Trossard, K. De Bruyne, J. Doku; C. De Ketelaere

Iran

Formation: 4-4-2

Predicted Starting Lineup: A. Beiranvand; R. Rezaeian, S. Khalilzadeh, A. Nemati, M. Mohammadi; M. Mohebi, S. Ezatolahi, S. Ghoddos, Ghayedi; M. Taremi, S. Moghanlou

Belgium vs Iran Key Stats & Match Facts

• This is the first-ever senior international meeting between Belgium and Iran.
• Both teams sit on one point in Group G after drawing their respective openers on June 15.
• Iran have participated in six previous World Cups but have never advanced beyond the group stage.
• Belgium are currently ranked ninth in the FIFA men's world rankings heading into this match.

Belgium vs Iran Talking Points

The defining subplot of this match is whether Kevin De Bruyne can find pockets of space between Iran's compact defensive lines. Iran will pack the middle third and dare Belgium to break them down — a strategy that can frustrate even the most talented squads. If De Bruyne can operate in a free role and slip passes in behind, Jérémy Doku could find himself in isolated one-on-one situations on the wing where he's at his most dangerous.

On the other side, the physical duel between Lukaku and Iran's experienced center-backs will be a battle worth watching all game long. Iran's backline is disciplined and aggressive, but Lukaku's size and movement in the box can cause problems for anyone. Iran have also dealt with significant logistical challenges during the tournament, but their fighting spirit — twice coming from behind against New Zealand — suggests that adversity has only strengthened their collective resolve. This is a match that rewards the team with more patience and composure under pressure.

Belgium vs Iran Predictions FAQs

When is the Belgium vs Iran World Cup match?

The match is scheduled to kick off on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. ET at Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) in Inglewood, California.

What is the prediction for Belgium vs Iran?

Belgium are expected to control possession and secure a victory, though Iran's organized defense will make them difficult to break down. Iran's resilience and direct counter-attacking threat mean this could be a tighter game than many expect.

Where can I watch the Belgium vs Iran game?

In the United States, you can watch the match live on FS1 (English) and Telemundo (Spanish), with streaming available on the FOX Sports app and Peacock. Canadian viewers can tune in on TSN and CTV.

Are the lineups confirmed for Belgium vs Iran?

Official lineups are typically announced approximately one hour before kickoff. Both teams are expected to field their strongest available starting elevens for this crucial Group G fixture.

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