Prediction: Belgium vs Iran | SoccerNews

Desperate to put a maiden 2026 World Cup victory on the board this weekend, Belgium will meet Iran in California for a Group G showdown.

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Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves

Best Odds: 17/20

Bookmaker: BetUS

Belgium

Starting with Belgium, while the Red Devils might have touched down in North America this month with many billing them as a genuine dark horse contender, Rudi Garcia’s camp will feel that they missed out on the chance to make an opening statement earlier in the week. Eventually getting proceedings underway with a 1-1 stalemate against Egypt, the European giants will be looking to put a maiden World Cup victory on the board in California. Nevertheless, signing off their pre-tournament preparations with a routine 5-0 romp against fellow finalists Tunisia, Belgium will be looking for a repeat performance here. Enjoying a stellar World Cup qualifying romp last year, Garcia’s camp have received plenty of praise from across the globe. In fact, the former Napoli boss has not seen his superstar squad suffer a single defeat from any of their previous 14 consecutive appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to March 2025.

Belgium Team News

Still recovering from a recent muscle issue and missing out against Egypt earlier in the week, Belgium are once again expected to be without Sporting Lisbon defender Zeno Debast in California.

Forced to settle for a spot on the bench in Seattle, the record-breaking Romelu Lukaku could be handed a full recall and make a maiden World Cup start here. The Aston Villa duo of Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana will start in the middle of the park.

Iran

As for Iran, missing out on their own golden opportunity earlier in the week as they eventually had to settle for a 2-2 stalemate against New Zealand in California, Amir Ghalenoei’s camp find themselves in an almost identical position to Sunday’s opponents. However, still with their sights set on booking an iconic knockout stage ticket this month and following Belgium out of Group D, the Whites will be desperate to spring an almighty World Cup upset here. Drawing a line under their pre-tournament preparations with three consecutive victories, Iran should also be excited by their recent clinical displays in the final third. Including a thumping 5-0 victory against Costa Rica on March 31st, Ghalenoei’s men have registered 12 goals in their previous four appearances across all competitions. Despite being pencilled in as a landslide contender in California this weekend, Iran will be looking to cause some headaches at the SoFi Stadium.

Iran Team News

Bagging 10 strikes during his maiden campaign with Greek giants Olympiacos last season, attacking talisman Mehdi Taremi will lead Iran out in California and earn a history-making 107th International cap.

Former Brentford star Saman Ghoddos will start in the middle of the park on Sunday night and will partner one-time Reading youngster Saeid Ezatolahi. Left as an unused substitute against New Zealand earlier in the week, St. Liege striker Dennis Eckert will be hoping to make a maiden World Cup apperances here.

Belgium vs Iran Key Factors to Consider

• Sunday’s showdown in California will be the first meeting between Belgium and Iran.
• The Red Devils are unbeaten in all previous 14 consecutive appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to March 2025.
• Iran have registered 12 goals in their previous four appearances across all competitions.
• Belgium have notched 14 goals in their five appearances so far this calendar year.
• Four of Iran’s five showdowns throughout 2026 have finished with over 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

Looking to put a maiden World Cup victory on the board this weekend, Belgium will have plenty of expectations on their shoulders in California. Hoping to wrap up their knockout stage ticket with a flurry on Sunday night, the Red Devils will know the importance of avoiding what would be a public slip-up. While Iran might rightfully be installed as a landslide underdog at the SoFi Stadium, they are enjoying an eye-catching run in the final third. With both camps registering a combined tally of 26 goals so far this calendar year, neutrals will be hoping for another enjoyable showdown here.

Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves

Best Odds: 17/20

Bookmaker: BetUS