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+ | En français: RDS
Group G is still level after the opening round, and that makes Belgium against Iran the most important match on the schedule. Both teams arrive with one point, and the winner can take control of the group race while the loser risks falling behind fast.
For Canadian viewers, it is an easy midafternoon watch with real stakes. Belgium have the deeper roster and the louder reputation, but Iran already showed they can survive pressure and turn a match chaotic.
What the Opening Round Told Us
Belgium’s first match exposed a familiar issue: they can dominate the ball without finishing the job. Against Egypt, they controlled long stretches, but a strong strike from Emam Ashour put them on the back foot before Romelu Lukaku came off the bench and changed the game almost instantly. His impact forced the equalizer, but Belgium still settled for a draw.
Iran’s opener was messier and more dramatic. They twice trailed New Zealand, twice recovered, and left with a point that felt earned through pure resilience. Ramin Rezaeian was central to the fightback, and Mohammad Mohebbi’s header completed the comeback story.
Key Matchups
Kevin De Bruyne against a compact block
Belgium’s best route forward still starts with De Bruyne. He did create chances against Egypt, but Iran are likely to defend deeper and close central passing lanes more aggressively. If De Bruyne can find space between the lines, Belgium should create enough to win. If Iran squeeze him wide, the match becomes much harder for the Red Devils.
Lukaku from the opening whistle
Lukaku’s late entrance in the first match was a turning point, and the obvious question is whether Belgium begin with him this time. In a group this tight, delaying your top finisher again would be a risk.
Iran’s delivery from wide areas
Iran looked dangerous on service into the box in their first match, and Rezaeian was the main source of trouble. Belgium’s back line did not look fully comfortable defending direct balls, so set pieces and crosses may be Iran’s best path to another result.
Quick Comparison
| Team | Main Strength | Main Concern | First-Match Signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium | Creative midfield quality | Slow starts | Needed Lukaku to change momentum |
| Iran | Defensive discipline | Managing sustained pressure | Recovered twice from behind |
Why the Crowd Matters
The setting may help Iran more than the neutral label suggests. Los Angeles has a large Iranian community, and Iran’s opener drew a huge, energized crowd. That kind of atmosphere can narrow the gap between the teams, especially if Belgium spend long stretches chasing a breakthrough.
- Belgium need a sharper start.
- Iran need to keep the game compact and ugly.
- Set pieces could decide the match.
- First goal may decide the group’s direction.
The Bigger Stakes
Belgium are under pressure to avoid another tournament letdown after their early exit in 2022. Their core has plenty of big-match experience, but several key players are older now, which makes every group-stage slip more costly.
Iran’s mindset is simpler. A point keeps them alive. A win would put them close to a breakthrough they have never reached at a World Cup. They have already shown they can absorb adversity and respond, which makes them a dangerous opponent in this spot.
Group G is also unusually tight on paper, with Belgium, Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand all viewed as capable of affecting the final order.
Prediction
Belgium have the better overall talent and more ways to win, but Iran are organized enough to make this frustrating. Expect Belgium to control more of the ball and create the cleaner chances, with Iran threatening through counters and dead-ball situations.
If Belgium start Lukaku and give De Bruyne more support between the lines, they should eventually break through. Iran can keep it close, but Belgium’s depth should matter late.
Prediction: Belgium 2, Iran 1.
That result would push Belgium into a stronger position at the top of the group, while Iran would still have a path forward entering the final matchday.
Sunday’s Group G Schedule for Canadian Viewers
- 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
All matches are available on CTV, TSN, and TSN+. French-language coverage is on RDS.