World Cup 2026: Iran vs Belgium Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds from Betway, correct at time of writing.

Iran and Belgium meet at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, kickoff 21:00 CAT, with both sides looking to build on opening draws and earn a first Group G win. Iran rallied twice to level 2-2 with New Zealand, while Belgium needed a late own goal to salvage a 1-1 result against Egypt. The whole group sits level on a single point, so a victory here would be significant. For all our World Cup betting tips, head to our dedicated section.

Iran

Iran sit on one point after coming from behind twice to draw 2-2 with New Zealand, with Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebbi both on target. In my opinion Amir Ghalenoei will set up to absorb pressure and strike on the counter, leaning on Mehdi Taremi up top and the pace of Mehdi Ghayedi. The absence of Sardar Azmoun, left out of the squad, narrows their attacking options and puts even more onus on Taremi. I expect a disciplined, compact Iran that makes Belgium work hard for openings.

Predicted Lineup: Beiranvand; Rezaeian, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Mohammadi; Ezatolahi, Ghoddos, Ghayedi, Mohebbi; Moghanlou Taremi.

Belgium

Belgium also have one point after Romelu Lukaku came off the bench and forced the late own goal that rescued a 1-1 draw with Egypt. Rudi Garcia again leans on Kevin De Bruyne to create, with Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard providing width and Charles De Ketelaere leading the line. Both De Bruyne and Lukaku carried fitness concerns into the tournament, and Lukaku may again start among the substitutes, which blunts Belgium a little. Even so, I rate this squad well ahead of Iran in quality, and I think their attacking depth will eventually tell.

Predicted Lineup: Courtois; Meunier, Ngoy, Mechele, Castagne; Onana, Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; De Ketelaere.

I expect Iran to sit deep and frustrate Belgium for long spells, which should keep this tight and low scoring. Belgium have the individual quality to find a way through, and I think one moment from De Bruyne or a substitute settles it. My forecast: Iran 0 Belgium 2.

BTTS: No (1.69)

Iran kept their shape well enough to limit New Zealand to two goals from set pieces, and against Belgium I expect them to prioritise defensive solidity. With Azmoun absent and Taremi often isolated, I am not convinced Iran score here. For me BTTS: No at 1.69 is the value, backing a Belgium win to nil in a tight game in which Iran will struggle to break through a capable Belgian defence.