World Cup 2026 | Group G, Matchday 2

Sunday, June 21, 2026 — 3:00 p.m. ET | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles

Watch in Canada: CTV, TSN, TSN+ | En français: RDS

Group G is level after one match, with Belgium and Iran both on one point after opening draws. That makes Sunday’s meeting at SoFi Stadium a direct chance to seize control of a group that is still wide open.

Belgium arrive with more pedigree and a deeper roster, but Iran have already shown they can absorb pressure and respond under strain. The result could shape the rest of the group immediately, since a win would leave one side in strong position and the other scrambling.

Why this match matters now

Belgium’s opener ended level after a match in which they were forced to chase and then settle for a point. Iran also opened with a draw, and current Group G standings show both teams tied with Egypt and New Zealand on one point.

• Belgium need a sharper start after their first match left room for doubt.
• Iran can build on a result that showed resilience and belief.
• Three points here would create real separation in a crowded group.

How Belgium can tilt the game

The main Belgian edge is quality in advanced areas, especially if Kevin De Bruyne is able to dictate tempo and find passing lanes between the lines. Belgium’s attacking structure should also improve if Romelu Lukaku starts from the outset rather than entering as a late fix.

Belgium’s first match suggested they can control spells without always turning possession into enough danger. That is the key issue again here: they may dominate the ball, but they still need to convert control into clear chances against a compact opponent.

Belgium’s main questions

• Can De Bruyne find space before Iran settle into their block?
• Will Lukaku begin the match and give Belgium a true central reference point?
• Can the back line avoid giving away simple chances on direct balls and set pieces?

Why Iran are dangerous

Iran’s opening result showed a team willing to fight back more than once, which is a useful trait in a short group stage. Their structure is likely to be compact again, with an emphasis on denying central space and waiting for moments to break forward.

Set pieces may be especially important. Reports on Group G have highlighted Iran’s defensive organization and efficiency on transitions, and their earlier match showed that they can threaten when delivery into the box is clean.

Iran’s biggest strengths

• Compact defending that makes central attacks difficult.
• Counterattacking chances if Belgium overcommit.
• Set-piece delivery that can turn a tight game quickly.

Another factor is the setting itself. SoFi Stadium is expected to generate a strong atmosphere for Iran because of the large Iranian community in the Los Angeles area, which could reduce any sense that Belgium are playing a neutral venue.

What kind of game to expect

The clearest expectation is tension. Belgium have more individual talent, but Iran have already shown they can stay alive in difficult moments. That combination usually produces long stretches of patience, fewer open channels, and a premium on the first goal.

If Belgium score first, the game should open up and favor their deeper bench and attacking options. If Iran score first, the pressure shifts sharply onto Belgium and the match becomes far less comfortable for the favorite.

The betting outlook from preview coverage leans toward goals, with one source recommending over 2.5 total goals because both teams have been involved in high-scoring recent matches. Still, the tactical shape of this specific contest suggests that the early phases may be cautious before either side is forced to take more risks.

Prediction

Belgium have the stronger overall squad and should create enough to edge it, especially if De Bruyne can operate higher up the field and Lukaku starts. Iran are disciplined enough to make this competitive, but Belgium’s depth should matter over 90 minutes.

Projected score: Belgium 2, Iran 1.

That result would move Belgium into the best position in Group G, while Iran would still have a chance to stay alive heading into their final group match.

Sunday’s full Group G schedule for Canadian viewers — all times Eastern:

• Tunisia vs. Japan — 12:00 p.m. ET
• Spain vs. Saudi Arabia — 12:00 p.m. ET
• Belgium vs. Iran — 3:00 p.m. ET
• Uruguay vs. Cabo Verde — 6:00 p.m. ET
• New Zealand vs. Egypt — 9:00 p.m. ET

All matches available on CTV, TSN, and TSN+. French-language coverage on RDS.