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

* Odds supplied by Betway, accurate at the time of writing.

Iran take on Belgium at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, kicking off at 21:00 CAT, and after opening draws both teams are chasing a first Group G win. Iran fought back twice to draw 2-2 with New Zealand, while Belgium relied on a late own goal to grab a 1-1 draw with Egypt. Every team in the group is on one point, so a win here would be a big deal. All our World Cup betting tips are waiting for you in our dedicated section.

Iran

Iran have one point after twice coming from behind to draw 2-2 with New Zealand, with Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebbi both scoring. For me, Amir Ghalenoei will set his team up to soak up pressure and hit on the break, relying on Mehdi Taremi up front and the speed of Mehdi Ghayedi. Without Sardar Azmoun, who was left out of the squad, they have fewer attacking options and Taremi has to carry even more. I see a disciplined, tight Iran side that makes Belgium work hard for every chance.

Expected Starting XI: Beiranvand; Rezaeian, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Mohammadi; Ezatolahi, Ghoddos, Ghayedi, Mohebbi; Moghanlou Taremi.

Belgium

Belgium are also on one point after Romelu Lukaku came on as a sub and forced the late own goal that saved a 1-1 draw against Egypt. Rudi Garcia once more relies on Kevin De Bruyne to make things happen, with Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard stretching play out wide and Charles De Ketelaere up front. De Bruyne and Lukaku both came into the tournament with fitness doubts, and Lukaku could start on the bench again, which takes a bit of the edge off Belgium. Still, I rate this squad far above Iran for quality, and I think their attacking depth will win out in the end.

Expected Starting XI: Courtois; Meunier, Ngoy, Mechele, Castagne; Onana, Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; De Ketelaere.

I think Iran will sit deep and frustrate Belgium for long periods, which should make this a tight, low scoring game. Belgium have the individual talent to break through, and I believe one moment from De Bruyne or a sub will decide it. My prediction: Iran 0 Belgium 2.

BTTS: No (1.69)

Iran held their shape well enough to restrict New Zealand to two set piece goals, and I think they will put defending first against Belgium. With Azmoun missing and Taremi often left on his own, I doubt Iran will score here. To me, BTTS: No at 1.69 is the value, backing Belgium to win with a clean sheet in a tight match where Iran will find it hard to get past a solid Belgian defence.