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 frozen at one point apiece, which makes Belgium vs. Iran the kind of match that can reshape the entire bracket in 90 minutes. Both teams need a win, and the loser will immediately feel the pressure of a final matchday that could turn into a scramble.

For Canadian viewers, the timing is ideal: a Sunday afternoon kickoff with real stakes and very little margin for error. Belgium bring the bigger names and the stronger pedigree, while Iran arrive with momentum from a comeback-heavy opener and a clear ability to make a match uncomfortable.

Why this match matters

This is not just another group-stage fixture. It is a direct test of whether Belgium can impose order on a chaotic section or whether Iran can keep the group level and push the race to the end.

• Belgium need a first win to avoid falling behind in a tightly packed group.
• Iran can stay alive with a draw, but a victory would change the entire conversation.
• Goal difference may become decisive if the group remains compressed.
• Set pieces and transitions could decide a match that starts tense and stays tight.

Belgium opened with a frustrating draw against Egypt, a game in which they controlled the ball but needed a late tactical change to escape with a point. Egypt struck first through Emam Ashour, and Belgium only responded after Romelu Lukaku came off the bench and immediately altered the game. The equalizer arrived almost instantly, but the winner never came.

Iran’s opener had a different rhythm. They were twice behind against New Zealand and twice pulled themselves back into the match, showing the kind of resilience that has defined their tournament so far. That response matters because it suggests Iran are not likely to fold if Belgium start fast.

Three things likely to decide it

• Kevin De Bruyne’s influence will shape Belgium’s attack. If he has time between the lines, Belgium can create clear chances. If Iran compress the middle of the field, Belgium may be forced wide and kept at a distance.
• Romelu Lukaku’s role is the biggest selection question. His cameo in the opener changed Belgium’s energy, and starting him would give Belgium a direct threat from the first whistle.
• Iran’s delivery from wide areas remains a real weapon. Their best moments have come from service into the box, and Belgium’s back line must handle that better than it did in the opener.

The atmosphere should also matter. Los Angeles has a large Iranian community, and Iran’s first match drew a huge, loud crowd. If that support carries over, Iran may feel closer to home than away from it.

The tactical picture

Belgium are likely to hold more of the ball, but possession alone will not settle this game. They need speed in the final third and a sharper edge in the box. Iran, by contrast, can afford to be patient, stay compact, and wait for the moments when Belgium overcommit.

That contrast makes the match feel simple on paper and tricky in practice. Belgium have more depth, more experience at the top level, and more individual quality. Iran have discipline, resilience, and a habit of staying alive when the game turns against them.

That is why the first goal matters so much. If Belgium score early, the match could open up. If Iran hold firm, the pressure shifts back to Belgium and the crowd tension grows with every passing minute.

Prediction: Belgium 2, Iran 1.

Belgium should have enough quality to break through eventually, especially if Lukaku starts and De Bruyne finds more space than he did in the opener. Iran are capable of making this a difficult match, but Belgium’s bench and attacking depth give them the edge.

If Belgium win, they move into a far better position in Group G. If Iran avoid defeat, the final round becomes even more volatile.

Sunday’s full Group G schedule 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

All matches available on CTV, TSN, and TSN+. French-language coverage on RDS.