Iran national football team faces Belgium in FIFA World Cup 2026

The Iran national football team faces Belgium on June 21, 2026. Iran and Belgium were held in their first matches, and all four teams in Group G now have one point.

Importance of the match

A win could pave the way for advancement, and a loss could leave the losing team's fate dependent on the final day's results. Iran came back from two deficits in their first match against New Zealand, but a 2-2 draw against the group's weakest team on paper was not a desirable result.

Doku's absence

Belgium will be without one of their most dangerous players. Jeremy Doku, Manchester City's speedy winger, has been ruled out due to a respiratory illness. His absence could change the tactical balance of the game.

Tough test for Iran's defense

Iran showed vulnerability in controlling the distance between lines, second balls, and opponent's passes in their match against New Zealand. The two goals conceded against New Zealand were not just the result of individual errors; in several scenes, the distance between central defenders and midfielders was too great, and the opponent was able to reach the penalty area without sufficient pressure.