Belgium and Iran both bid for their first win of World Cup 2026 in a crunch Group G clash in Los Angeles.
Iran, who entered the tournament amid the increased scrutiny of the ongoing war with co-hosts the United States, grabbed two equalisers in their opening 2-2 draw with New Zealand at LA’s So-Fi Stadium.
Belgium, meanwhile, also drew their opening game as Romelu Lukuku rose from the bench to force Mohamed Hany’s second-half own goal in their 1-1 stalemate against Egypt, leaving Group G finely poised.
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei criticised their increasingly difficult preparation conditions for the Belgium match, questioning why US authorities appear willing to offer his team greater travel flexibility for their final group game but not their opening fixtures.
Iran are commuting to the US from Tijuana, Mexico and Ghalenoei said his team were only able to train for “half the time” they would usually spend on preparations.
Follow the latest from Belgium v Iran, below
Belgium 0 – 0 Iran
14 mins: Iran have found a response to Belgium’s pressure and forced a brilliant save from Thibaut Courtois who dropped to his right as a low driven effort snuck through the defence.
James Hicken21 June 2026 20:16
Belgium 0 – 0 Iran
10 mins: Belgium are massively on top here, De Bruyne has already had a handful of attempts on goal and Iran are desperately defending.
Lukaku is also imposing himself physically on the back-line
James Hicken21 June 2026 20:12
Iran national anthem booed
Loud boos echoed over the top of the Iranian national anthem, as they continue to be a figure of controversy during this world cup.
They also still have travel issues and were only allowed to enter the US 16 hours before kick off
James Hicken21 June 2026 20:10
Belgium 0 – 0 Iran
3 mins: Belgium get the first corner of the match, which comes up short and Kevin De Bruyne follows up with a tantalising ball into the area which the keeper bravely collects and collides heavily with Romelu Lukaku who is carded for the late challenge and the keeper has stayed down.
James Hicken21 June 2026 20:05
Kick-off: Belgium 0 – 0 Iran
We are underway for the 38th match of this world cup as group favourites Belgium take on Iran after both teams drew their previous fixtures.
Belgium play in a 4-2-3-1 with Lukaku making his first start for club or country this season and Iran will run out in a 3-4-3 that retreats into a five-back
Both teams field changes in an effort to go a step further and claim three points.
James Hicken21 June 2026 20:00
Iran team news
Iran manager Amir Ghalenoei has made three changes to the team that drew 2-2 with New Zealand.
Saleh Hardani, Ehsan Hajisafi and Hossein Kanani replace Arya Yousefi, Shahriyar Moghanloo and Milad Mohammadi.
Flo Clifford21 June 2026 19:50
Protestors outside the stadium
James Hicken21 June 2026 19:50
World Cup 2026: Belgium and Iran meet for first time
This will be the first time Belgium and Iran have played each other.
Belgium, semi-finalists in 2018, are bidding to get out of the group stage after a disastrous 2022 World Cup in Qatar where they finished behind Morocco and Croatia.
Iran are attempting to get through to the knockout stages of a World Cup for the first time, following three group-stage exits in a row between 2014 and 2022.
Jamie Braidwood21 June 2026 19:45
Protests ahead of Iran’s World Cup games
Ahead of the 2-2 draw with New Zealand, 300 to 500 protesters gathered outside the stadium waving anti-Iranian government signs and flags, protesting against the country’s regime and its crackdown on pro-democracy protestors while inside loud jeers were heard from some sections of the crowd during the Iranian national anthem.
Iran are back at the So-Fi Stadium in Los Angeles this evening for their clash with Belgium. They will then head to Seattle for their final match against Egypt.
Jamie Braidwood21 June 2026 19:35
Team news
Belgium manager Rudi Garcia makes four changes to the side which drew with Egypt, with Castagne, Onana, De Ketelaere and the ill Doku replaced by De Cupyer, Raskin, Lukaku – who is fit to start despite concerns – and Saelemaekerrs.
Flo Clifford21 June 2026 19:33NewerOlder