Belgium look to take a huge step towards a knockout spot in a tough Group G clash against Iran at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With all four teams in Group G locked on one point after a pair of opening draws, victory would put Belgium or Iran top of the group for at least a few hours.
Team News
Charles de Ketelaere is a doubt for Belgium after he missed training earlier this week due to a knock, despite having featured in their 1-1 draw against Egypt.
Zeno Debast won’t be rushed back from a thigh injury unless he passes a late fitness check.
Iran could be without Saman Ghoddos after he suffered an ankle injury during their 2-2 draw against New Zealand.
Alireza Jahanbakhsh (muscle) and Roozbeh Cheshmi (knock) are doubts for selection.
When is Kick-Off?
Belgium face Iran at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, USA, on Sunday 21 June at 12pm PDT (8pm BST), live on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Belgium’s first World Cup meeting against Iran.
- Iran have never met Belgium in all competitions prior to this meeting.
- Belgium had no player caught offside in their draw against Egypt.
- Shahriar Moghanlou registered more shots against New Zealand than any other Iran player (3).
Prediction
Having stuttered to a 1-1 draw against Egypt from behind in a pretty disappointing but dominant performance by their standards, Belgium now have to be much sharper and clinical and make their dominance count when on top because they can’t afford another draw if want to win the group.
Iran meanwhile will of been pleased at how they reacted to twice falling behind against New Zealand through poor marking of Elijah Just by equalising with two clinical goals, but their shot conversion has to be much tidier because they put 13 of their 17 shots off target against the Kiwis.
Although Belgium are naturally favourites and realistically should win, I do think that Iran have enough quality to spring a surprise and maybe nick a point.
Prediction: Belgium 1-1 Iran
Result: Belgium 0-0 Iran