All teams in Group G are level on one point as Belgium look to get their first win of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Iran on Sunday evening in California.
Belgium were held in a 1-1 stalemate by Egypt, meaning they have not won any of their last three World Cup matches. Iran came from behind twice to earn a point in a 2-2 draw against New Zealand.
The Red Devils did not make it out of the Group stages in 2022 and are at risk of replicating that this summer. They need all three points here to keep their qualification hopes alive.
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They came into the tournament ranked ninth globally FIFA, while Iran are in 20th place.
Despite Iran’s unfortunate situation of having to fly in and out of the United States on match-days, they put on a brave performance to earn a point. Iran have never made it to the knockout round of the tournament.
Belgium remain favorites to make it past the Group stage, though they cannot afford to drop points against a stubborn Iran.
History will be made here with this being the first ever encounter between these two nations. Will Rudi Garcia’s devils bounce back from their opening day stalemate and get all three points here?
Iran have all to fight for and we look at both sides ahead of the encounter and offer our predicted outcome.
Betway
What time does Belgium vs Iran start?
The match kicks off at 10PM E.A.T at the SoFi Stadium
Belgium vs Iran team news
Thibaut Courtois will start in goal for a second successive game, with the wingback duo of Thomas Meunier and Timothy Castagne retaining their roles in the starting XI as well.
There are no changes expected from the Belgian squad, only if Romelu Lukaku is handed a start after playing a key role off the bench against Egypt.
Charles de Ketelaere started up front against the Pharaoh’s and could be the only change in the starting lineup. Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard on the flanks.
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Veteran Kevin De Bruyne will also start and control proceedings in midfield.
Iran captain Mehdi Taremi is the main man and will start up front alongside Shahriyar Moghanlou
Mohammad Mohebi and Ramin Rezaeian were both on target against New Zealand and will both retain their spots in the starting XI.
Belgium vs Iran head-to-head and current form
Belgium are on a 14-game unbeaten streak dating back to March 2025. They have won three and drawn two of their last five games in all competitions.
The Iranians have only lost one of their last five matches, a 2-1 friendly defeat to Nigeria in March. Prior to their 2-2 draw in the opening match, Iran had won three consecutive matches.
Current form:
Belgium – DWWDW
Iran – DWWWL
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Betway
Belgium vs Iran prediction
The Red Devils are favorites and are expected to extend their unbeaten run here. They have a better and more experienced squad, with the pressure of all three points.
Iran put up a fight in their opening fixture but are not expected to match the might of Belgium.
Prediction – Belgium to win
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