7M - World Cup Preview: Belgium vs Iran - prediction, team news, lineups

LOS ANGELES — Heavyweights Belgium are strongly backed to secure their first victory of the 2026 World Cup when they face a stubborn Iran side at the SoFi Stadium, with qualification on a knife-edge in Group G.

Both nations enter this Matchday 2 clash under immense pressure following opening-day stalemates. Rudi Garcia’s star-studded Belgium squad had to settle for a frustrating 1-1 draw against Egypt, while Amir Ghalenoei's Iran demonstrated tremendous fighting spirit to rescue a 2-2 result against New Zealand after trailing twice. With all four teams in the group currently locked on a single point, this encounter in California has effectively transformed into a must-win battle for both camps.

The defining tactical factor favors the European side, who are expected to welcome record goalscorer Romelu Lukaku back into the starting lineup after his impactful cameo off the bench against Egypt. With creative mastermind Kevin De Bruyne orchestrating from deep and Jérémy Doku providing explosive pace out wide, the Red Devils possess too much offensive variation for an Iranian central defense that was repeatedly exposed by New Zealand. FootballPredictions heavily tips a Belgium victory, identifying a clinical 2-1 triumph as the standout prediction to get the Red Devils' campaign back on track.