Preview: Belgium vs Iran | Latest news, line-ups, absences (21/06/2026)
Preview, team news, head-to-head, probable line-ups and where to watch Belgium vs Iran in Group G at the 2026 World Cup
Belgium and Iran meet in Los Angeles on Sunday evening with both sides searching for their first victory of the tournament after opening their respective World Cup campaigns with draws.
The Red Devils were frustrated in a 1-1 stalemate against Egypt, a result that left Rudi Garcia‘s side with work to do in a group many expected them to control.
Meanwhile, Iran also shared the points in a dramatic 2-2 draw against New Zealand, showing plenty of attacking quality but also exposing defensive vulnerabilities.
With Egypt and New Zealand meeting later in the round, victory here could put either team in a strong position heading into the final group game, making this one of the more intriguing contests in the race for the knockout stages.
Latest news: absences, form, team news
Belgium had most of the ball against Egypt but struggled to turn territorial control into clear-cut opportunities. While there is no panic within the camp, Garcia will demand a sharper attacking display against an Iran side likely to spend significant periods without the ball.
Iran may feel more disappointed with their result, as they twice recovered from setbacks against New Zealand but were unable to find the winning goal despite creating several dangerous moments in the second half.
Belgium
Belgium are expected to stick closely to the side that started the tournament. Kevin De Bruyne remains the creative leader, while Jérémy Doku and Leandro Trossard could once again be asked to provide the width and unpredictability needed to break down a compact defensive structure. Defender Zeno Koen Debast is expected to remain sidelined through injury, with Nathan Ngoy and Brandon Mechele forming Belgium’s centre-back duo.
Iran
Iran have few fresh injury concerns and are unlikely to make major alterations. Mehdi Taremi remains the team’s most important player in the final third, while Aris Yousefi and Mohammad Mohebi offer pace on the break and will be key if Iran are to exploit transitions. Amir Ghalenoei‘s side have shown repeatedly that they are comfortable frustrating more highly-rated opponents. Roozbeh Cheshmi was an unused sub against New Zealand after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Teams H2H: Head-to-head stats
This will be the first ever time that Belgium will lock horns with Iran in an official game.
Predicted line-ups
Belgium are unlikely to make sweeping changes despite dropping points against Egypt, while Iran could retain a solid 4-4-2 formation in their bid to prevent the Belgian side from finding open spaces in the final third.
Tactical analysis: Can Iran frustrate Belgium’s attack?
Belgium are expected to dominate possession, but the challenge is turning possession into penetration and clear-cut goal opportunities. Against Egypt they often circulated the ball effectively without finding enough gaps between the lines.
Iran will be comfortable defending in a compact shape and waiting for opportunities to counter. The pace of Mohebi and the intelligence of Taremi make them dangerous even when opportunities are limited.
A key battle could emerge between De Bruyne and Iran’s midfield screen. If Belgium’s captain is allowed time and space to dictate play, the Red Devils should create enough chances to win. If Iran can disrupt his rhythm, frustration could begin to build.
Key players to watch
Jérémy Doku (Belgium)
Doku remains Belgium’s most explosive attacking player and perhaps the one footballer in the squad capable of changing a match through individual brilliance. His pace, dribbling ability and willingness to attack defenders one-on-one make him particularly dangerous against teams that defend deep. Belgium often struggled to stretch Egypt in their opener, making Doku’s direct running even more important here.
Iran are likely to defend with numbers behind the ball, which means Belgium may need a moment of individual quality. Doku to either score or provide an assist looks attractive given how much of Belgium’s attacking play flows through him, a view shared by several expert football predictions ahead of Sunday’s meeting.
Mehdi Taremi (Iran)
Taremi remains the player Belgium will fear most. The experienced striker combines intelligent movement with ruthless finishing and has repeatedly shown he can deliver against stronger opponents. His ability to convert limited opportunities means Belgium cannot afford lapses in concentration.
Belgium left spaces during transitions against Egypt and Iran have enough quality to exploit them. Taremi anytime goalscorer could be worth considering for those expecting Team Melli to create chances on the counter-attack.
Where to watch Belgium vs Iran in the UK and Ireland
Belgium vs Iran kicks off at 20:00 BST on Sunday, 21 June 2026 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
In the Republic of Ireland, the match will be available through RTÉ’s World Cup coverage and RTÉ Player.
Market insights and probability predictions
Belgium remain favourites despite their opening draw against Egypt. Current markets imply roughly a 60% to 65% chance of a Belgian victory, while Iran are priced around 15% to 18%, with the draw close to 25%.
The goals market points towards a tighter game than Belgium supporters might hope for. Iran’s organisation and counter-attacking threat should keep them competitive, making both teams to score an interesting option for bettors.
Belgium should improve after their disappointing opener and possess greater depth across the pitch. Iran may have enough experience and attacking quality to make life uncomfortable, but over 90 minutes Belgium’s superior individual talent should prove decisive as they are looking for their first win of the tournament – and one that would clinch them a spot in the knockout stages.
