World Cup 2026 | Group G, Matchday 2
Sunday, June 21, 2026 — 3:00 p.m. ET | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
Watch in Canada: CTV, TSN, TSN+ | En français: RDS
Belgium and Iran meet with Group G perfectly balanced and very little margin for error. Both teams enter on one point after opening draws, and this match could decide who controls the race for the knockout rounds.
The setting makes the stakes even bigger. Belgium and Iran both arrive at SoFi Stadium knowing that a win would transform the group, while another draw would keep the whole section congested heading into the final day.
The shape of the group
After the first round, the group table is as tight as it can be. Belgium opened with a 1-1 draw against Egypt, while Iran battled New Zealand to a 2-2 result in Los Angeles.
- Belgium has one point and a chance to take control with a victory.
- Iran also has one point and can move into position for a historic breakthrough.
- Another draw would keep the pressure on both sides and likely push the group to a tense final matchday.
Belgium would gain a major cushion with three points, while Iran would be within reach of a first-ever knockout-stage berth if it can win here.
How Belgium got to this point
Belgium’s opener was a reminder that possession alone does not solve games. Rudi Garcia’s side controlled the ball against Egypt, but Emam Ashour gave Egypt the lead before Romelu Lukaku came off the bench and helped force an equalizer almost immediately.
The key question now is whether Belgium starts with more urgency. Lukaku’s presence changes the attack, and Belgium will be expected to use its superior depth and experience more aggressively from the opening whistle.
What Belgium needs
Belgium needs better tempo, quicker service into advanced areas, and more direct movement around Kevin De Bruyne. De Bruyne remains the player most likely to unlock a compact opponent, and Belgium’s best chance may come from combining his passing range with Lukaku’s box presence.
Why Iran is dangerous
Iran’s draw against New Zealand showed composure under pressure. Team Melli twice came from behind and kept fighting until the end, which reinforced the idea that this team is organized, stubborn, and comfortable in chaotic games.
Set pieces and wide service matter for Iran. Ramin Rezaeian was central to the comeback in the opener, and Iran will likely lean on that kind of delivery again if Belgium leaves space near the flanks.
- Iran is most effective when the game becomes compact and physical.
- It can punish lapses with crosses, second balls, and late runs into the box.
- It has already shown it can recover from setbacks without losing structure.
The matchup that matters most
The central battle is Belgium’s creativity against Iran’s defensive shape. Goal.com notes that both sides want to dominate the middle of the field, which makes the first 20 minutes especially important.
If Belgium can move Iran’s block side to side, it should create openings for De Bruyne and the forwards. If Iran holds its lines and forces Belgium wide, the match can become a frustration test rather than a show of talent.
What the result means
A Belgium win would put the Red Devils close to qualification and likely leave them needing only a manageable result on the final matchday.
An Iran win would turn the group upside down and put Team Melli within striking distance of a first trip to the knockout phase.
A draw would keep every team in the mix and make the last round feel like a survival contest.
Prediction
Belgium has the stronger individual talent and more ways to change the game off the bench, but Iran’s discipline and resilience make this harder than a typical favorite’s assignment.
The most likely script is a cautious first half, followed by more risk after the break. Belgium should have enough quality to find a winner, especially if Lukaku starts and De Bruyne gets more freedom between the lines.
Predicted score: Belgium 2, Iran 1.
That result would give Belgium the edge in Group G and leave Iran with everything still to play for in its final group match.
Other Group G matches for Canadian viewers
All times Eastern
- Tunisia vs. Japan — 12:00 p.m. ET
- Spain vs. Saudi Arabia — 12:00 p.m. ET
- Belgium vs. Iran — 3:00 p.m. ET
- Uruguay vs. Cabo Verde — 6:00 p.m. ET
- New Zealand vs. Egypt — 9:00 p.m. ET
All matches are available on CTV, TSN, and TSN+. French-language coverage is on RDS.