Belgium vs Iran Prediction. Belgium and Iran — both on one point after Match Day 1 draws — meet in a crucial Group G fixture at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, on Monday, 22 June 2026, 19:00 UTC / 22:00 EAT. Belgium’s 14-game unbeaten run faces a stern test; Iran showed defensive resilience in their 2-2 draw with New Zealand. This is the first ever meeting between these nations. Our prediction: Belgium to win. Full analysis, team news, H2H, and all markets on SportPesa.
Match details
| Field | Detail |
| Competition | 2026 FIFA World Cup — Group G, Match Day 2 |
| Date & kick-off | Monday, 22 June 2026, at 19:00 UTC / 22:00 EAT |
| Venue | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Group G standings | After Match Day 1: Belgium 1pt, Egypt 1pt, Iran 1pt, New Zealand 1pt — all four sides level |
| Stakes | Belgium must win to avoid a repeat of their 2022 group-stage exit. Win = top of Group G. |
| Where to watch | DSTV/GOTV |
Belgium’s unbeaten run under threat vs Iran’s tactical resilience
Belgium arrive at this fixture needing a win. Their 1-1 draw with Egypt was a frustrating result — coming from behind via an own goal following Romelu Lukaku’s introduction, only to not push on and secure three points. Coach Rudi Garcia faces a key selection call: does Lukaku start from the beginning rather than being used as an impact substitute? Charles de Ketelaere started up front against Egypt; with Lukaku available, that position is now contested.
Despite the Egypt draw, Belgium’s broader form is excellent. They are on a 14-game unbeaten streak dating back to March 2025 and came into this tournament ranked ninth in the world. The midfield quality of Kevin De Bruyne, the wide menace of Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard, and the defensive authority of Thibaut Courtois and Jan Vertonghen gives them the tools to take control of this match. Thomas Meunier and Timothy Castagne retain their wing-back roles.
Iran’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand was a creditable performance. They came from behind twice — Mohammad Mohebi and Ramin Rezaeian both scored — showing a fighting spirit and a clinical counter-attacking edge. Both players retain their places. Despite the persistent logistical challenge of commuting from their Tijuana base camp across the border to California, Iran have demonstrated they are a competitive and organised unit rather than a group-stage makeweight.
Mehdi Taremi captains the side and remains their most dangerous attacking option. The midfield double-pivot of Ezatolahi and Razzaghinia will look to disrupt De Bruyne’s creativity and limit Belgium’s ability to play through the lines. Iran have never reached the knockout round of a World Cup — a win here would be a historic first.
Team news and expected line-ups
Belgium: Courtois in goal. Meunier and Castagne as wing-backs. De Bruyne in midfield. Key selection decision: Lukaku vs De Ketelaere up front — both options live. Doku and Trossard wide.
Iran: Unchanged XI expected. Taremi leads. Mohebi and Rezaeian retain their scoring positions. Ezatolahi and Razzaghinia in the double pivot.
| Belgium (3-4-3) | Iran (4-2-3-1) |
| Courtois (GK) | Beiranvand (GK) |
| Meunier (RWB) | Rezaeian (RB) |
| Faes (CB) | Khalilzadeh (CB) |
| Vertonghen (CB) | Kanaani (CB) |
| Theate (CB) | Hajsafi (LB) |
| Castagne (LWB) | Ezatolahi (DM) |
| Onana (DM) | Razzaghinia (DM) |
| De Bruyne (CM) | Mohebi (RM) |
| Doku (RW) | Ghoddos (AM) |
| Lukaku / De Ketelaere (ST) | Ghayedi (LM) |
| Trossard (LW) | Taremi (ST) |
Key stats
- Belgium: drew 1-1 with Egypt in their Group G opener. Romelu Lukaku came off the bench and contributed to the own-goal equaliser.
- Belgium: ranked 9th in the world by FIFA.
- Belgium: 14-game unbeaten streak dating back to March 2025 (W3 D2 in last 5).
- Belgium: failed to make it out of the group stage at the 2022 World Cup. Cannot afford another slip.
- Kevin De Bruyne: Belgium’s creative engine. Expected to control midfield tempo.
- Romelu Lukaku: potential starter after bench impact vs Egypt. Key selection call for Garcia.
- Jeremy Doku (Manchester City): pace and directness from wide. Dangerous on the counter.
- Iran: drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their Group G opener. Came from behind twice.
- Iran: 14-game unbeaten streak — only defeat in last five was a 2-1 friendly loss to Nigeria in March.
- Iran form (last 5): D W W W L.
- Mohammad Mohebi: scored vs New Zealand. Retains his place.
- Ramin Rezaeian: scored vs New Zealand. Retains his place.
- Mehdi Taremi: Iran captain and primary attacking threat.
- Iran: commuting from Tijuana, Mexico base camp due to US visa constraints.
- Iran: have never reached the World Cup knockout round across four previous appearances.
- H2H: first ever meeting between Belgium and Iran in any fixture — competitive or friendly.
- Group G standings (after Match Day 1): Belgium 1pt, Egypt 1pt, Iran 1pt, New Zealand 1pt.
Head-to-head
Belgium and Iran have never previously met in any fixture — competitive or friendly. This World Cup Group G match is the first ever encounter between the two nations, making it a historic occasion regardless of the result.
Current form
| Team | Last 5 (inc. WC opener) |
| Belgium | D W W D W — 14-game unbeaten run |
| Iran | D W W W L — only defeat was a 2-1 friendly vs Nigeria (March) |
Our prediction
Belgium are the clear favourites. Their squad depth, individual quality across every position, and the pressure of needing three points to avoid a second consecutive group-stage exit all point towards a Belgian win. De Bruyne’s ability to control tempo and create opportunities for Doku and Trossard in wide areas should generate the chances Belgium need.
Iran cannot be dismissed lightly. Their comeback from 2-0 down against New Zealand demonstrated exceptional character, and Mohebi and Rezaeian’s goals showed genuine attacking quality. But Belgium’s defensive organisation — Courtois, Vertonghen, and the back three — is a different proposition entirely to New Zealand’s back line.
Belgium’s unbeaten run, superior squad quality, and the urgency of needing a win make them the rational pick. Iran will make it difficult, but should not be able to hold out for 90 minutes against a Belgian attack fully motivated to advance.
Our prediction: Belgium to win.
Odds and markets
Odds correct at 2200 hrs UTC on 21/06/2026 and subject to change.
How to bet on SportPesa
- Open the Belgium vs Iran event page on SportPesa (link above).
- Choose your market — Single Bet (SB), Multi-Bet (MB), or Live Bet (LB) once the match starts.
- Enter your stake and place your bet.
Frequently asked questions
What time does Belgium vs Iran kick off?
Kick-off is at 19:00 UTC / 22:00 EAT on Monday, 22 June 2026, at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Los Angeles, California, USA.
What happened in Belgium’s first match at World Cup 2026?
Belgium drew 1-1 with Egypt in their Group G opener. Emam Ashour gave Egypt the lead before an own goal, following the introduction of Romelu Lukaku, levelled for Belgium.
What happened in Iran’s first match at World Cup 2026?
Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their Group G opener at SoFi Stadium. New Zealand led twice but Iran came from behind on both occasions, with Mohammad Mohebi and Ramin Rezaeian scoring for the Iranians.
Have Belgium and Iran ever played before?
No. This World Cup Group G match is the first ever fixture between Belgium and Iran in any competition — competitive or friendly.
What group are Belgium and Iran in at World Cup 2026?
Both sides are in Group G alongside Egypt and New Zealand. After Match Day 1, all four teams are level on one point.
Will Romelu Lukaku start for Belgium?
Lukaku came off the bench against Egypt and was directly involved in the own-goal equaliser. Coach Rudi Garcia faces a selection decision between Lukaku and Charles de Ketelaere as the starting centre forward. Confirm the team news once the official line-up is released before kick-off.
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