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+ | French coverage: RDS
Group G is still perfectly level after the opening round, and Belgium against Iran is the kind of match that can change the entire picture in one afternoon. Both teams enter on one point, both need control of the tempo, and both know that a win would create real separation before the final round of games.
For Canadian viewers, this is an easy one to place on the Sunday schedule. It starts at 3:00 p.m. ET and pairs a technically gifted Belgium side with an Iran team that has already shown plenty of resistance, structure, and belief.
The Situation So Far
Belgium’s first match was a mixed bag. They had the ball, they had stretches of pressure, but they did not turn possession into enough danger. Egypt struck first through a sharp long-range finish from Emam Ashour, and Belgium needed a late tactical adjustment to get back into it. Romelu Lukaku’s introduction changed the rhythm immediately, and his presence helped force the own goal that rescued a 1-1 draw.
Iran’s opener was even more dramatic. They fell behind twice against New Zealand, but each time they answered with composure. Ramin Rezaeian provided the first equalizer, then Mohammad Mohebbi completed the comeback with a header that turned a difficult night into a valuable point. The performance was notable not just for the result, but for how calmly Iran responded under pressure.
| Team | Opening Match | Key Theme | What It Revealed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium | 1-1 vs. Egypt | Slow start, late response | Talent is present, but the attacking rhythm needs sharper timing |
| Iran | 2-2 vs. New Zealand | Recovery and resilience | The team can absorb pressure and still create chances from wide service |
Three Things That Matter Most
- Kevin De Bruyne’s influence. Belgium need him to find space between the lines early, not after they have already fallen behind the pace of the match.
- Lukaku’s role from the start. His brief but decisive impact in the opener made the case for giving him a larger share of the attack from kickoff.
- Iran’s delivery from wide areas. Rezaeian’s crossing and Iran’s set-piece work can punish a defense that was not fully secure on the first matchday.
Belgium’s best path is straightforward: keep the ball, move Iran’s block side to side, and use the quality of De Bruyne and Lukaku to create a few clean chances instead of a flood of half-chances. Iran’s plan is equally clear: stay compact, slow the central lanes, and make every transition and dead-ball moment count.
The environment also matters. Los Angeles has a large Iranian community, and that kind of support can make the stadium feel far more balanced than a neutral venue usually does. If Iran settle into the match early, Belgium may have to deal with real crowd energy on top of the tactical problem in front of them.
Why This Match Stands Out
This is more than just another group-stage fixture. Belgium entered the tournament with expectations of controlling the group, while Iran came in with a different kind of pressure: prove they can stay in contention against the strongest opponent in the section. A draw would leave Group G crowded. A win for either side would reshape the knockout race immediately.
Belgium also carry the burden of recent World Cup disappointment. The core of this squad is experienced, and probably nearing the end of its top-level cycle. That makes every point feel heavier. Iran, by contrast, can play with a little more freedom. Their tournament has already shown that they are comfortable in a fight, and their comeback against New Zealand suggested a team that does not panic easily.
Match Outlook
Belgium have the deeper roster and the more proven individual match-winners, but they have to show it sooner. Iran will not open the game up for them, and they are unlikely to give De Bruyne much room to operate in central spaces. That should keep the first half tight.
As the game wears on, Belgium’s options from the bench and their ability to sustain pressure should become more valuable. Iran can absolutely make this uncomfortable, but Belgium still look more likely to find the breakthrough if the match stays close into the second half.
Prediction: Belgium 2, Iran 1.
That result would give Belgium control of their own path through Group G, while Iran would still be alive heading into their final match. If the first round was about caution, this one is about use.
Sunday’s Group G slate 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
Coverage is available on CTV, TSN, and TSN+, with French-language coverage on RDS.
