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Belgium and Iran resume their 2026 World Cup campaigns on Sunday, with both sides knowing that victory in Los Angeles could put them on the brink of the knockout rounds.
All four teams in the group are locked on one point after matchday one, adding extra significance to Sunday's contest. A win would provide a major boost ahead of the final round of fixtures, while defeat could leave either side facing an uphill battle to qualify.
Belgium are favourites despite their underwhelming display against Egypt, but Iran will be encouraged after fighting back twice to earn a draw against New Zealand in their tournament opener.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Belgium vs Iran key stats
- Kevin De Bruyne has scored in four of his last six matches.
- Iran are undefeated in their last four matches.
- Five of Belgium's last six matches have produced under 4.5 cards.
Belgium vs Iran preview: Can the Red Devils return to winning ways?
| Belgium | vs | Iran |
|---|---|---|
| 9th | FIFA Ranking | 20th |
| Axel Witsel (138) | Most Caps | Ehsan Hajsafi (147) |
| Romelu Lukaku (90) | Most Goals | Mehdi Taremi (60) |
| 1101 | Total Caps | 1184 |
| 214 | Total Goals | 152 |
| 1 | Uncapped Players | 2 |
Belgium were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Egypt in their opening fixture, with Mohamed Hany's own goal rescuing a point after Emam Ashour had handed the Pharaohs the lead.
The result extended a worrying trend for the Red Devils, who are now without a win in their last three World Cup matches after previously winning 11 of 13 games in the competition.
Rudi Garcia's side still possess plenty of quality and arrived at the tournament after topping their qualifying group with 18 points from eight matches, scoring 29 goals and conceding only seven.
Garcia could make changes following the disappointing draw, with Romelu Lukaku pushing for a starting role despite fitness concerns, while Zeno Debast remains unavailable through injury.
Iran earned a hard-fought 2-2 draw against New Zealand on matchday one, with Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mahebi both finding the net as Team Melli twice came from behind.
That point was particularly valuable given the circumstances surrounding Iran's participation, while the draw also maintained belief that a first-ever appearance in the knockout rounds remains within reach.
History is not on Iran's side, however, with the West Asian nation winning only three of their 19 World Cup matches and suffering seven defeats in 10 meetings with European opposition.
Amir Ghalenoei has a couple of fitness concerns in midfield, with Roozbeh Cheshmi and Saman Ghoddos being assessed, while captain Mehdi Taremi will once again lead the attack as he looks to add to his tally of 60 international goals.
Belgium vs Iran form guide & betting tips
| Belgium | vs | Iran |
|---|---|---|
WDWWD |
Form | LWWWD |
| 14 | Goals For | 13 |
| 4 | Goals Against | 5 |
D |
WORLD CUP | D |
Whispers predicts: Belgium 2-1 Iran
Five of Belgium's last eight matches and four of Iran's previous five have featured at least three goals, making Over 2.5 Goals at 16/19 (1.84) one of the standout selections.
Iran have scored two or more goals in seven of their last eight matches and showed their attacking quality again against New Zealand, which makes BTTS – Yes at 11/10 (2.10) an attractive bet.
Belgium remain unbeaten in their last 10 matches and should have enough quality to edge this contest, but Iran's recent scoring record suggests they can make their mark in Los Angeles. As a result, Belgium to Win & BTTS – Yes at 5/2 (3.50) offers excellent value.
Kevin De Bruyne has been directly involved in goals in four of his last six appearances, making Score or Assist at 5/6 (1.83) an appealing option.
The Belgian captain has also found the net four times during that period, which makes Score Anytime at 12/5 (3.40) an attractive alternative.
> Over 2.5 goals at 16/19 (1.84) | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS – Yes at 11/10 (2.1) | Likelihood: Probable
> Belgium win and BTTS – Yes at 5/2 (3.5) | Likelihood: Probable
> Kevin de Bruyne to score anytime at 12/5 (3.4) | Likelihood: Probable
> KDB score or assist at 5/6 (1.83) | Likelihood: Probable