Preview: Belgium vs Iran IR prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026

Can Belgium’s creative midfield propel Red Devils to victory over Team Melli in a crucial Group G fixture?

Anchored on the coastal basin of Southern California, Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) in Inglewood, USA, gears up to host a highly anticipated Group G fixture of Match Week 2 in the FIFA World Cup 2026, where European heavyweights Belgium take on Iran in what is set to be a thrilling battle.

Group G are standing at a very interesting scenario after both games ended in a draw. Both Belgium and Iran are at one point each, and the winner of this game will have one foot placed in the knockouts. The group is wide open, and every single goal and point counts from here.

The Red Devils were lucky to salvage a point against the Pharaohs, who drew the first blood against the 2018 World Cup bronze medallists in the opening match week fixture after Emam Ashour’s goal. But Lukaku’s first touch was enough to help Belgium equalise in the 66th minute.

Lukaku could have even buried that header in the last few minutes of the game to snatch all three points from the seven-time African champions.

They are led by French gaffer Rudi Garcia, who had a terrible time during his last tenure as Napoli coach. He has rejuvenated fresh energy into the Belgian squad and has done a pretty decent job so far.

Iran have never advanced past the group stages in FIFA World Cup history, but Team Melli have a golden opportunity to create history despite all logistical constraints amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions, where they are instructed to enter and leave the United States on the same day of their match.

Amir Ghalenoei-led Iran, which went on to clinch a thrilling 2-2 draw against New Zealand in the opening fixture. Despite trailing behind, they went on to equalise the score twice to salvage a point.

The challenge ahead won’t be an easy one, but the three-time Asian champions are on the cusp of making history with a win over Belgium in the next game.

World Cups have a habit of producing unforgettable moments, and this encounter has all the ingredients to be another memorable chapter. With talented players spread across the pitch and little room for error, fans can expect an entertaining battle between two teams eager to make their mark in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Full Fixtures, Schedule, Results, Match Timings & Where to Watch

Kick-off:

• Location: Inglewood, California, USA
• Stadium: Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium)
• Date: Sunday, June 21
• Kick-off time: 8 p.m. BST [12:30 a.m. IST, Monday, June 22 / 12 p.m. local PDT]
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Form:

Belgium (in all competitions): D-W-W-D-W

Iran (in all competitions): D-W-W-W-L

Players to Watch

Youri Tielemans (Belgium)

The Belgian captain is coming after winning the UEFA Europa League with Unai Emery’s Aston Villa. From being a part of the 2018 squad that clinched a bronze in Russia to a heartbreaking 2022 group stage exit, Tielemans has seen it all.

This is his third consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance, and he has the expectations of a billion dreams to perform, especially at a time when Belgium is standing on the cusp of a fading golden generation.

He was brilliant in the last game against Egypt, but his side lacked those creative instincts in the first game. Against a tough team like Iran, Tielemans must unleash his inner beast from the first minute to propel his side to a big win against the mighty Iranians.

Ramin Rezaeian (Iran)

Rezaeian leads the official FIFA Creativity standings following Iran’s draw with New Zealand. He was directly involved in both the goals Iran scored in the first game to clinch a crucial point in a 2-2 draw against the Oceania nation.

The 36-year-old right back is a legendary figure in Asian football, having plied his trade with top clubs like Esteghlal, Sepahan, Al Duhail SC and Persepolis.

Despite making those overlapping and accelerated runs upfront from the right wings, he remained an absolute wall defensively, winning almost all ground duels in the last game.

Match Facts

• These two sides will lock horns with each other for the first time ever.
• Belgium are coming after a 1-1 draw with Egypt in the last game.
• Iran came back twice from behind against New Zealand to make it 2-2

Belgium vs Iran IR: Betting Tips and Odds

• Belgium to win the match – 2/5 with Betfred
• Kevin De Bruyne to score – 7/4 with Betfred
• Belgium 2-1 – 15/2 with Betfred

Injury and Team News

Zeno Debast is still sidelined by a thigh injury. Romelu Lukaku also remains doubtful to start, and Garcia can drop full-backs like Castagne and Meunier, who actually failed to make much impact.

Roozbeh Cheshmi and Saman Ghoddos remain doubtful. The latter was taken off after an ankle injury in the last game against New Zealand. But he remains a key player for Iran, and Amir Ghalenoei will have to make a big call.

Head-to-Head

These two sides will lock horns with each other for the first time ever.

Predicted Lineups

Belgium predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Thibaut Courtois (GK); Maxim De Cuyper, Brandon Mechele, Nathan Ngoy, Thomas Meunier; Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana; Jérémy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne, Leandro Trossard; Charles De Ketelaere.

Iran predicted lineup (4-4-2)

Alireza Beiranvand (GK); Milad Mohammadi, Mohammad Amin Hazbavi / Shojae Khalilzadeh, Saman Nemati, Ramin Rezaeian; Mohammad Mohebi, Saeid Ezatolahi, Saman Ghoddos, Mehdi Ghayedi; Mehdi Taremi, Shahriyar Moghanlou.

Match Prediction

Iran are punching above their weight despite all logistical constraints. We expect them to put up a formidable display, but given Belgium’s sheer brilliance and creativity in the middle, we expect the Red Devils to win the game narrowly.

Prediction: Belgium 2-1 Iran

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5,

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

Full Broadcaster List here.

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