Belgium vs Iran prediction, tips and odds | World Cup 2026

Belgium and Iran meet for the first time in their respective histories in a match that could prove pivotal in deciding the fate of Group G at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday evening at Los Angeles Stadium (8:00 PM BST).

Both nations drew their opening fixtures and sit level on one point alongside Egypt and New Zealand, meaning a victory here would represent a significant step towards the knockout rounds while defeat could leave the loser facing elimination on the final matchday.

Preview: Belgium vs Iran

Belgium arrived in the United States determined to erase the painful memory of their group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but their opening match against Egypt provided more questions than answers.

The Red Devils fell behind in the 20th minute when Emam Ashour fired in a spectacular effort from distance, and it took the introduction of Romelu Lukaku to rescue a point, with the Napoli striker forcing an own goal from Mohamed Hany just 22 seconds after coming off the bench.

Belgium managed only three shots on target from 15 attempts against Egypt, according to official FIFA match data, a concerning return for a side that scored 29 goals in eight qualifying matches across the European campaign.

Rudi Garcia's side finished those qualifiers unbeaten with five wins and three draws, conceding just seven goals, and Kevin De Bruyne's six qualifying goals underline his continued importance as the team's primary creative force.

The Red Devils have not won a World Cup match in three consecutive attempts, having previously won 11 of the preceding 13, and the pressure to deliver against Iran will be considerable.

Iran demonstrated admirable resilience in their tournament opener, coming from behind twice against New Zealand to earn a 2-2 draw.

Ramin Rezaeian, at 36 years of age, scored in the 32nd minute and then provided the assist for Mohammad Mohebbi's equaliser in the 64th minute, becoming the oldest Asian player ever to score in a FIFA World Cup game.

Amir Ghalenoei's side were one of the first teams to secure qualification for this tournament, finishing the Asian qualifying campaign with 11 wins, four draws and just one defeat, scoring 35 goals and conceding 12.

Mehdi Taremi, who struck 10 times during qualifying, remains the focal point of the Iranian attack, though the 33-year-old Olympiacos forward was unable to find the net against New Zealand.

Iran have never progressed beyond the group stage in seven World Cup appearances and have won just three of 19 matches at the tournament, but their performance against New Zealand suggested they are capable of causing problems for any side in this group.

NetBet price Belgium as clear favourites for this encounter, though Iran's odds reflect a team that has already proven difficult to beat at this tournament. For a comprehensive overview of the platform's football markets, see our NetBet sportsbook review.

Belgium vs Iran team news and predicted XIs

Belgium

Zeno Debast of Sporting CP remains sidelined with a thigh injury sustained before the tournament and is the only confirmed absentee for Belgium.

Charles De Ketelaere, who started as a false nine against Egypt, is a doubt for this match, though the Atalanta forward is expected to be in contention.

The big tactical question for Garcia centres on Lukaku, who barely featured for Napoli during the club season but transformed the Egypt match in just 22 seconds after entering the pitch as a substitute.

Lukaku's immediate impact off the bench against Egypt is a reminder of his impressive ability in the number nine role, which has seen him score 90 international goals in 127 caps, with only Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo netting more among European players.

Iran

Saman Ghoddos is the primary fitness concern for Iran after the midfielder was forced off during the 2-2 draw with New Zealand with an ankle problem.

Rouzbeh Cheshmi will not be available for Iran's second group-stage match, having now missed both opening fixtures of the tournament. His absence leaves his availability for the group-stage finale in question, and he may not feature at this World Cup at all should Iran be eliminated.

Team Melli have faced significant logistical challenges at this tournament, with the squad based in Tijuana, Mexico, due to the ongoing conflict between their country and the United States, making the journey to Los Angeles only on matchdays.

Taremi, with 60 goals in 106 international appearances, is the undisputed leader of this team, and Rezaeian's heroics against New Zealand should earn the 36-year-old a continued starting role at right back.

Belgium vs Iran predicted lineups

Predicted Belgium XI (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Castagne, Mechele, Ngoy, Meunier; Onana, Tielemans; Doku, De Bruyne, Trossard; Lukaku.

Predicted Iran XI (4-4-2): Beiranvand; Rezaeian, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Mohammadi; Mohebbi, Ezatolahi, Ghoddos, Yousefi; Taremi, Moghanlou.

Head-to-head: Belgium vs Iran

This is the first encounter between Belgium and Iran at senior international level, meaning there is no direct historical record to draw upon when assessing this fixture.

Iran's record in the World Cup stands at three wins, five draws and 11 defeats from 19 matches across seven tournament appearances, with the group stage remaining an insurmountable barrier throughout their history.

Belgium, by contrast, have appeared at 15 World Cup tournaments and reached the semi-finals on two occasions, finishing fourth in 1986 and third in 2018. Visit the TNT Sports betting hub for more World Cup markets and odds.

Our Belgium vs Iran prediction and tips