Belgium take on Iran in the second of their World Cup group games, looking to build on their 1-1 draw with Egypt. The Red Devils were fortunate to earn a point against Mohamed Salah and co. in their opening match, and Rudi Garcia will be hoping for a better performance this time around against a weaker side.
Belgium's Squad Evolution
Formerly the top-ranked side in the FIFA standings, Belgium have undergone a real change in personnel from the 'golden generation'. Some stars remain, while others have emerged in the old guard's places. Jeremy Doku has taken over on the left wing from Eden Hazard, and Kevin de Bruyne now sports the captain's armband.
Romelu Lukaku is not favoured as the first-choice centre-forward at present, with Charles de Ketalaere leading the line against Egypt. However, the Napoli forward was called upon just after the hour as Garcia tried to salvage all three points. De Ketalaere missed team training earlier this week and was spotted bandaged up, but he is expected to be available to face Iran.
Defensive Setup
Thibaut Courtois is one of the old stars still in goal, while Thomas Meunier retains his spot at right-back. Otherwise, it is all change in defence, with centre-backs Nathan Ngoy and Brandon Mechele. Timothy Castagne could keep his place at left-back, although Maxime de Cuyper of Brighton can also come into the side.
Midfield and Attack
Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans give the midfield pivot a Premier League flavour. Leandro Trossard operated off the right against Egypt to shoehorn him into the side, and that is expected to happen once more. The predicted lineup sees De Bruyne in the number 10 role, with Doku on the left and De Ketalaere leading the attack.
Predicted Belgium XI (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Courtois
- Defenders: Meunier, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper
- Midfielders: Onana, Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku
- Forward: De Ketalaere
Match Details
- Date and time: 8pm BST on Sunday, June 21, 2026
- Venue: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
- How to watch: ITV
