Belgium vs Iran: The Big Names Want Their First Win

Predictions

Belgium go into this one as clear favorites, and most experts back them to come away with the win.

The bigger question is whether Iran can grab a goal of their own and turn it into a nervous afternoon for the favorites.

• Our prediction: Belgium win 2-1, with their star players making the difference against a stubborn Iran.
• Yahoo Sports: a tight, low-scoring Belgium win, with Lukaku their pick to score.
• SportsLine: a Belgium win in a higher-scoring game, with over 2.5 goals.
• Total Football Analysis: a Belgium win, with their experience making a real difference here.

Why this game matters so much

Both teams kicked off their World Cup with a draw, and now both want that first win badly.

This is Belgium against Iran, and a star-studded favorite suddenly has work to do.

Belgium were expected to go far in this tournament, but they were held to a 1-1 draw with Egypt in their first game.

Iran took a point of their own in a 2-2 draw with New Zealand, so they are not short on confidence.

That leaves Belgium chasing the win their talent demands, while Iran sense a chance to upset a big name.

Three points would put either team on top of the group, which gives this game an early edge.

Why Belgium are the favorites

Belgium are 8th in the FIFA rankings, and their squad is full of players who star for the biggest clubs in Europe.

In Kevin De Bruyne they have one of the best passers the game has seen, and in Romelu Lukaku they have their all-time top scorer.

Their coach is Rudi Garcia, who wants his side to keep the ball and pull defenses apart with quick, clever passing.

Even after that stumble against Egypt, Belgium are a level above Iran when it comes to pure talent.

The bookmakers see it the same way, giving Belgium about a 70% chance to win this game.

A draw sits at around 4 to 1, which shows how far the odds tilt toward Belgium.

So we expect Belgium to win, and the experts line up behind them.

Why Iran can cause trouble

Iran are not an easy team to beat, and any side that takes them lightly tends to regret it.

They have a real finisher in their striker Mehdi Taremi, who only needs half a chance to score.

Their coach Amir Ghalenoei sets them up to defend in numbers, then break (win the ball back and race forward fast) the moment they get it.

That counter-attack, where they turn defense into attack in seconds, is exactly how a side like Iran can hurt a favorite.

If Belgium push too many players forward and lose the ball, one quick break could leave them exposed at the back.

So beating Belgium would be a shock, but Iran have the tools to make this a long, uncomfortable afternoon.

Our call: Belgium 2-1

We are going with Belgium 2-1.

Belgium have too much firepower up front to be kept quiet for 90 minutes, and the goals should come.

De Bruyne and Lukaku alone give them a clear path to two goals on most days.

But we do not see Iran leaving empty-handed.

With Taremi up top and a clear plan to counter, Iran look likely to score at least once.

That is why we land on a Belgium win, but a 2-1 that stays close until late rather than an easy night.

What is at stake?

Right now Group G is wide open, because nobody managed a win on the first matchday.

Belgium, Iran, New Zealand and Egypt all drew, so the whole group is level on 1 point.

In each group, the first 2 teams are sure of a place in the next round.

A few of the best 3rd-place finishers from across the groups sneak in as well.

A win here would lift either side clear at the top with a game still to play.

For Belgium, three points would turn the mood around fast after that frustrating opener.

And for Iran, knocking over one of the bigger names would be a result their fans talk about for years.

What does the history say?

These two have barely crossed paths, so there is no real rivalry to lean on here.

What Iran do have is a habit of digging in and making strong teams sweat for every chance.

That stubborn streak, more than any old result, is what should worry Belgium on the day.

Where and when can you watch?

The game is on Sunday June 21, 2026, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, near Los Angeles.

Kickoff is 12:00 (12:00 PM) Pacific time.

You can also see all the details on the match page.

Need a seat for it? Take a look at our World Cup tickets guide.