Belgium and Iran meet in Los Angeles with Group G finely balanced after all four teams began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaigns with a point.
Victory for either side would place them on the brink of qualification for the knockout stage, while defeat could leave them under serious pressure heading into the final round of group fixtures.
Belgium arrived at the tournament in strong form, but their unbeaten run dating back to March 2025 was tested in their opening match against Egypt. The Red Devils had to come from behind to secure a 1-1 draw in Seattle, extending their winless run at the World Cup to three matches.
That sequence will concern Belgian supporters, particularly after their group-stage exit in Qatar four years ago. Before this recent dip, Belgium had won 11 of their previous 13 World Cup matches, showing they still have the pedigree to perform on the biggest stage.
Their hopes may depend on defensive stability. Five of Belgium’s last seven victories have come with a clean sheet, and that solidity could again prove decisive against an Iran side that has been finding the net regularly.
Iran showed real resilience in their opener, twice coming from behind to draw 2-2 against New Zealand. Their performance carried extra weight given the difficult circumstances surrounding the squad, with captain Mehdi Taremi describing the travel situation caused by the conflict in the Middle East as a “disaster”.
Despite those challenges, Iran have lost only once in their last eight matches inside 90 minutes, winning four and drawing three. They have also scored at least twice in each of their last four matches, underlining their attacking threat.
Iran are aiming to avoid defeat in their opening two World Cup matches for the first time in their history. However, their record against European opposition at the tournament remains poor, with just one win in ten such fixtures.
This will be the first-ever meeting between Belgium and Iran, adding another layer of intrigue to a group that remains difficult to predict.
Romelu Lukaku could be central to Belgium’s hopes. Now the joint third most capped player in Belgian history, the striker made an important impact from the bench against Egypt and remains a major threat late in matches, having scored three of his last four international goals in or after the 75th minute.
Iran will look to Ramin Rezaeian, who has scored in each of his last two international appearances. Both goals came between the 30th and 60th minute, a period in which Belgium will need to remain especially alert.
Belgium still have concerns over Zeno Debast, who remains an injury doubt, while Iran appear to have no fresh injury issues following their draw with New Zealand.
With every team in Group G level after matchday one, this fixture has the feel of a turning point. Belgium have the quality and experience, but Iran’s recent form and resilience suggest they will not be easy to break down.
