Belgium vs Iran
Group G action returns on Sunday when World Cup 2026: Belgium vs Iran kicks off at the Sofi Stadium in California. Rudi Garcia’s Red Devils are the favourites to win the group, with Egypt, New Zealand and Iran all vying for a knockout place and, after one round the four teams are locked on one point each.
Belgium drew 1-1 with Egypt in their opener while Amir Ghalenoei’s Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand, and that after they had much of their pre-tournament plans disrupted, by global matters beyond their control.
This is not a David versus Goliath match by any stretch of the imagination. Only 13 places separate the two teams in the FIFA World Rankings with Belgium at tenth and Iran 23rd, though the Belgium vs Iran betting odds suggest Garcia’s men should pick up all three points and secure their passage to the Round of 32.
Talking Points
Doku can open the door for Belgium
The Red Devils opening match draw with Egypt wasn’t the ideal result, but Garcia can build on it with a squad which combines experience and youth. The so called ‘Golden Generation’ pf Belgian football is still in evidence, with the likes of Kevin de Bruytne, Thibaut Courtois and Thoams Meunier in their ranks. And it was striker Romelu Lukaku who earned a point, 22 seconds after climbing off the bench when he forced Mohamed Hany into an own goal, after Eman Ashour had given the Pharaohs a first half lead.
But the next generation of Belgium stars were also on show, with Aston Villa midfielder Andre Onana and Atalanta forward Charles de Ketelaere joined by Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku. The 24 year old former Rennes star has been around the Belgium squad since the 2022 World Cup and is now one of the first names on the team-sheet. Since his £55m move to the Etihad in 2023 Doku has developed as a player under Pep Guardiola, able to play on the left or the right flank and with superb movement which always makes him an option for a pass. A very quick player with explosive pace, Doku favours his right foot but is almost as strong with his left, either crossing or shooting, which has brought him seven goals in 44 appearances for Belgium and 11 in 88 for the Sky Blues.
Off-field pressures plague Iran
Before their match against New Zealand, Iran coach Ghalenoei insisted his men could shrug off the off-field hype and concentrate on matters on the pitch; but that is much easier said than done after the team was faced with travel restrictions. Iran are to make a complaint as their three group games are to be played in the USA, but the squad is not allowed to stay there and have a training camp in Tijuana Mexico instead.
They twice went behind to New Zealand, the lowest ranked team in the group with equalisers from wingback Ramin Rezaeian and Mohamed Mohebi who leapt high to nod in a Rezeain cross. The draw was hard earned, but it may not be enough as Iran will find matches against Belgium and Mo Salah’s Egypt more of a test than the Kiwis. It is hard not to feel sorry for the players who face a gruelling schedule and an uphill task through no fault of their own.
But this is a good side which recently handed out a 5-0 thrashing to Costa Rica and, as they showed against New Zealand they have plenty of spirit.
History
This is Belgium’s 15 appearance at a World Cup finals, their best outcome coming in 2018 when they secured a semi-final spot and a third placed finish. Iran are here for the eighth time and are yet to escape the group phases. But in the new 48 nation format they have a real chance to break that duck this year.
This is the first meeting between the two nations so with no historic Belgium vs Iran results to help us, let’s take a look at recent form. With two wins and two draws this year the Red Devils have been picking up decent results as have Iran who have won three and drawn one.
Betting Tip
Belgium are the hot favourites at odds of 1.42 to win this clash, with the draw as 4.50 and Iran priced at 7.50 to spring a surprise, with the Double Chance: Iran or Draw at 2.80. But I can’t see the talented Red Devils slipping up against a side which has been up against it from the moment they arrived.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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