Preview: Belgium and Iran battle for first victory in Group G at the 2026 World Cup
Belgium and Iran meet in their second group match at the 2026 World Cup. After draws in their first matches, both countries are chasing their first victory in group G. Jeremy Doku is missing from the Belgians, while Iran is struggling with personnel concerns in midfield.
Belgium is aiming for its first victory of the 2026 World Cup when the team kicks off against Iran on Sunday evening. In the opening match of group G, the Belgians did not get further than 1-1 against Egypt; an own goal by Mohamed Hany after an action by substitute Romelu Lukaku saved the point for the Red Devils.
Iran is also on one point after their first group match, after an exciting 2-2 draw against New Zealand. Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi scored the Iranian goals, but the team then had to leave the United States immediately after the final whistle to return to their training camp in Mexico. They indicated that they were not allowed to return to the US shortly before the match, which may have affected their preparation.
Belgium – Iran will take place on Sunday, June 21 at 9:00 PM Dutch time at the Los Angeles Stadium. The match will not be shown live on Dutch television, but will be broadcast in the United Kingdom via ITV1 and streamed online on ITVX.
Drafting and absentees Jeremy Doku has to miss the match against Belgium due to a respiratory infection. Charles De Ketelaere, Belgium's number one striker, missed training earlier this week and was seen wearing a bandage. Despite this, he is expected to be fit enough to start, while Romelu Lukaku may attack from the bench again after his accurate substitute appearance earlier this week. Zeno Debast is not available - the defender missed the World Cup due to injuries.
Iran is also struggling with personnel problems: Saman Ghoddos is doubtful due to an ankle injury sustained against New Zealand, and Rouzbeh Cheshmi is missing, just like in the first match.
Expected lineups: Belgium: Courtois; Meunier, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper; Onana, Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne, Vanaken; De Ketelaere. Iran: Beiranvand; Rezaeian, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Mohammadi; Mohebi, Ezatolahi, Ghoddos, Yousefi; Taremi, Moghanlou.
Outlook With the final group match against New Zealand looming, the Belgians know that everything is still open in group G. Iran is aiming for a surprise against the favorite, but given the difference in quality, Belgium remains the favorite for victory.
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