Battle for World Cup playoff spot. Prediction for Belgium vs Iran
On June 21, in the second round of the 2026 World Cup group stage, Belgium will face Iran. The match kicks off at 21:00 Central European Time. I’m offering a bet on the game’s total goals.
H2H and key stats
- Belgium are unbeaten in their last 14 matches.
- Iran have scored at least two goals in each of their previous four games.
- These teams have never met before.
Belgium can’t afford to slip up
Belgium didn’t start the tournament as confidently as expected. In the match against Egypt, Rudi Garcia’s side were clear favorites but ran into serious problems breaking down the organized opponent’s defense. By the 19th minute, Belgium conceded to Emam Ashour and spent a long time chasing the game.
Romelu Lukaku’s introduction turned the tide. The Napoli striker came on after halftime and immediately injected life into the attack. It was Lukaku’s pressure that forced Egypt defender Mohamed Hany’s own goal, allowing Belgium to avoid defeat and claim their first point of the tournament.
Before the World Cup, Belgium were counting on their leaders — Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, Jérémy Doku, and Romelu Lukaku. However, the opening game showed that this generation of the Red Devils no longer enjoys the clear edge over opponents it did a few years ago. Still, the squad is packed with top-class talent.
After the draw with Egypt, head coach Rudi Garcia made it clear: only a win against Iran will do. Anything less, and Belgium could face a tough challenge to reach the playoffs before the final matchday of the group stage.
Tough challenge ahead for Iran
Iran also kicked off their World Cup campaign with a draw, but their match against New Zealand was far more entertaining. Amir Ghalenoei’s team twice fell behind but found the resilience to come back each time, ultimately securing a 2-2 result.
New Zealand’s hero was Eli Just, who scored a brace off Chris Wood’s assists. Iran had their own answers: first, experienced defender Ramin Rezaeian found the net, then Mohammad Mohebi leveled the score. Iran created plenty of chances and even outshot their opponents, showcasing impressive attacking potential.
Before the tournament, the team’s main star was striker Mehdi Taremi, around whom the attack is built. Rezaeian, Mohebi, and Mehdi Torabi also play crucial roles. Despite various organizational challenges during the World Cup, Iran managed to stay focused on football and keep their hopes of advancing alive.
The draw with New Zealand kept Iran in the playoff hunt, but now a much tougher test awaits. A win over Belgium would all but guarantee a spot in the next round, while defeat could leave the Asian side in a precarious position heading into the final group match.
Probable line-ups
- Belgium: Courtois, Meunier, Ngoy, Mechele, Castagne, Onana, Tielemans, De Bruyne, Doku, Trossard, De Ketelaere.
- Iran: Beiranvand, Mohammadi, Nemati, Khalilzadeh, Rezaeian, Ghoddos, Ezatolahi, Yousefi, Mohebi, Moghanlou, Taremi.
What’s the bet?
Belgium remain favorites thanks to their superior individual quality and major tournament experience. However, Iran have repeatedly proven they can trouble any opponent. Expect a tense clash, with Belgium dominating possession and Iran focusing on rapid counterattacks. My pick: total goals under 3.
