Belgium vs Iran — World Cup 2026 Group · Matchday 2
Match preview / What to expect
Updated Jun 6, 2026Belgium meet Iran in Group G, a contrast of styles between a Belgian side rich in attacking talent and a typically obdurate, well-drilled Iranian team.
Rudi Garcia's Belgium boast star quality across the pitch, with Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings, Jeremy Doku providing pace and Romelu Lukaku leading the line. Amir Ghalenoei's Iran are defensively disciplined, built on a solid back line and the threat of Inter's Mehdi Taremi on the counter.
Belgium will dominate possession and probe for openings, while Iran will look to defend in numbers, stay compact and exploit Taremi's quality when the chance comes.
Key storylines
- 01Kevin De Bruyne orchestrating Belgium's attack against a stubborn Iran defence.
- 02Mehdi Taremi as Iran's lone attacking spearhead on the counter.
- 03Belgium's pace through Doku and Lukebakio testing Iran's organisation.
Prediction
Belgium 2-0 Iran
Projected lineups
Projected XI — not confirmed
Belgium
Formation 4-2-3-1- 1T. Courtois
- 2T. Castagne
- 3A. Theate
- 4Z. Debast
- 5M. De Cuyper
- 6Y. Tielemans
- 7A. Onana
- 8J. Doku
- 9K. De Bruyne
- 10L. Trossard
- 11R. Lukaku
Iran
Formation 5-4-1- 1A. Beiranvand
- 2R. Rezaeian
- 3S. Khalilzadeh
- 4M. Mohammadi
- 5E. Hajisafi
- 6Saleh Hardani
- 7A. Jahanbakhsh
- 8S. Ezatolahi
- 9S. Ghoddos
- 10A. Hosseinzadeh
- 11M. Taremi
Team news
Belgium
- Kevin De Bruyne remains Belgium's chief creator.
- Romelu Lukaku expected to lead the line.
Iran
- Mehdi Taremi is Iran's main attacking threat.
- Iran likely to set up in a deep, compact block.
Sources
Preview is editorial. Projected lineups are not confirmed team sheets.
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