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+ | In French: RDS
A group that can still go anywhere
Group G could not be tighter. Belgium, Iran, Egypt, and New Zealand all entered the second round level on one point, which means Sunday’s Belgium-Iran meeting at SoFi Stadium carries real weight for both teams. A win would give one side immediate control of the group race, while a draw would keep the bracket messy heading into the final matchday.
For neutral viewers, this is exactly the kind of match that rewards patience: two teams with different strengths, both aware that one mistake could shape the rest of the tournament.
Why this match matters
- Belgium need a victory to avoid turning the final group game into a nerve-wracking rescue mission.
- Iran can turn a draw into a useful result, but three points would raise the possibility of a historic knockout-stage push.
- The group table is still so compressed that goal difference and fine margins may matter as much as the result itself.
- SoFi Stadium should feel close to a home environment for Iran, with strong support expected from the local diaspora.
Belgium’s first match was controlled for long stretches, but not enough to finish the job. Iran’s opener showed a different kind of character: they trailed twice and still found a way back, which is usually a strong sign for a team under pressure.
What Belgium need to fix
Belgium have the better individual talent, but they cannot rely on talent alone. Kevin De Bruyne was their main source of control in the opener, and Romelu Lukaku changed the game almost immediately after coming on, which makes a strong case for using him earlier this time.
The key question is whether Belgium can turn possession into cleaner chances. Iran are unlikely to open the game up for them, so Belgium will need faster ball movement, sharper final passes, and more movement from the front line.
- De Bruyne’s influence: Belgium need him finding space between the lines rather than drifting into harmless areas.
- Lukaku’s presence: His box presence changes how defenses react, even before he touches the ball.
- Patience in attack: Belgium may need to stay composed if the first 30 minutes do not produce an early breakthrough.
Why Iran are dangerous anyway
Iran are not entering this match as simple underdogs. Their first performance showed resilience, and their ability to recover after falling behind suggests they are comfortable playing under stress. That matters against Belgium, because any team that gets frustrated too early can start forcing passes and leaving space behind the ball.
Set pieces and wide deliveries may be Iran’s best path to damage. Ramin Rezaeian was central to their attack in the opener, and his crossing from the right side could be a major factor again. If Belgium defend poorly on dead balls, Iran have the tools to punish them.
- Compact defending: Iran are likely to stay organized and narrow for long stretches.
- Wide service: Rezaeian’s crossing can create problems in crowded penalty areas.
- Counterattacks: If Belgium overcommit, Iran have shown they can respond quickly.
The atmosphere could tilt the game
Los Angeles is home to one of the largest Iranian communities in the world, and that should matter at a venue like SoFi Stadium. Iran’s opener drew a huge crowd, and the energy inside the building was strong enough to make their match feel much bigger than a standard group-stage fixture.
That kind of environment can affect both sides. Belgium will still have the more experienced squad, but Iran may enjoy something close to a home-field advantage in the stands.
Prediction
Belgium have more depth, more proven match-winners, and enough quality to break through if they stay calm. Iran are disciplined, dangerous on set plays, and good enough to make this awkward for long stretches.
The most likely script is a tense first half, followed by Belgium finding a way to create enough pressure after the break. Lukaku’s movement and De Bruyne’s passing should eventually matter, though Iran are capable of making the scoreline tighter than Belgium would prefer.
Pick: Belgium 2, Iran 1.
That result would put Belgium in the strongest position in Group G and leave Iran still alive for a decisive final matchday.
Sunday’s Canadian viewing schedule
- 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 in Canada is available on CTV, TSN, and TSN+, with French-language coverage on RDS.