Belgium and Iran are both seeking their first wins of the 2026 World Cup as they meet in Los Angeles on Sunday. It is an important fixture for both nations in Group G, where it is very much all to play for with each country locked on a point apiece after two opening draws.
Match Details
Belgium vs Iran is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off on Sunday June 21, 2026. The match will take place at Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) in Inglewood, California.
How to Watch
TV channel: Belgium vs Iran will be televised live and free-to-air in the UK on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 7pm. Live stream: UK viewers can also watch the match live online via the ITVX website or app, which is free with a sign-up. Live blog: Follow the game as it happens with Standard Sport's live blog. Free highlights: World Cup highlights are being broadcast on FIFA's official YouTube channel, along with the BBC iPlayer, ITVX app and their websites.
Team News
Sporting defender Zeno Debast is expected to remain sidelined for Belgium as he continues to work his way back from a thigh injury suffered on club duty. Red Devils boss Rudi Garcia is not believed to have any fresh fitness concerns, though may opt for changes after a disappointing performance against Egypt. All-time leading scorer Romelu Lukaku will be pushing to start ahead of Charles De Ketelaere up front, having forced the own goal by Hany last week.
Midfielders Roozbeh Cheshmi and Saman Ghoddos - formerly of Brentford - have both been dealing with knocks for Iran, along with ex-Brighton winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh.
Prediction
Belgium need a convincing performance here to calm fears that this could be shaping up into a third successive frustrating major tournament, following their last-16 exit at Euro 2024 and shock group stage departure from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. But Iran are certainly no pushovers, defying all their well-documented off-field issues at this tournament to play their part in a thrilling opening contest against New Zealand. We expect them to push Belgium all the way, only for the Red Devils to produce a tense and narrow victory that will all-but seal their place in the last 32. Belgium to win, 1-0.
Head to Head History
Belgium and Iran have never previously met in a senior men's international fixture.
Odds
Belgium to win: 2/5, Iran to win: 13/2, Draw: 18/5. Odds via UK betting sites (subject to change).
