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 could stay frozen, or it could tilt sharply on Sunday. Belgium and Iran enter their second match with one point each, and the winner will take a major step toward control of the group. A draw would keep everything crowded, but a result at SoFi Stadium would change the entire tone of the race.

This is also one of the more interesting noon-to-evening swings for Canadian viewers following the tournament. Belgium bring the higher-profile roster, while Iran arrive with momentum, stubbornness, and a clear sense that they can turn pressure into points. The setup is simple: Belgium need cleaner finishing, and Iran need another disciplined, awkward performance.

Why this match matters

Belgium opened with a frustrating 1-1 draw against Egypt. They had enough of the ball to control the rhythm, but they did not turn that control into enough danger early enough. Emam Ashour’s strike put them behind, and only after Romelu Lukaku entered did Belgium finally force the issue, with the equalizer arriving almost immediately through an own goal. The message was obvious: Belgium can create, but they cannot afford to wait around for a spark.

Iran’s opener was even more dramatic. They twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with New Zealand, showing both resilience and enough attacking quality to punish mistakes. Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebbi were central to the comeback, and Iran looked like a team that trusts its structure even when the match turns messy. That kind of composure is valuable in a group where every point matters.

The key pressure points

Belgium’s biggest weapon is still Kevin De Bruyne. If he can find space between Iran’s midfield and back line, Belgium should spend long stretches in attacking territory. Iran’s plan is likely to be more conservative, with compact lines and a focus on blocking passing lanes rather than chasing the game. If De Bruyne is forced too wide or too deep, Belgium may again struggle to create clear chances.

Romelu Lukaku changes the entire picture. His brief impact against Egypt was hard to ignore, and Belgium will expect him to start or at least play a much larger role. His movement inside the box gives Belgium a direct route to goal that they lacked for long stretches in the opener. Against a defense that will likely sit deep, that presence matters.

Iran can hurt Belgium on dead balls and wide service. Rezaeian’s delivery was a major part of their comeback against New Zealand, and that kind of crossing can expose any hesitation in the Belgian back line. If Iran win free kicks, corners, or second balls in dangerous areas, they can keep this match uncomfortable well into the second half.

There is also the setting itself. Los Angeles has a large Iranian community, and SoFi Stadium is likely to feel louder and more partisan than a neutral venue. That matters in a tight match, especially if Iran can stay level into the final 30 minutes. A crowd that gets restless can shift the mood of the game faster than any tactical adjustment.

What each side needs

Belgium need urgency from the opening whistle. Their squad is deeper, their individual talent is stronger, and their margin for error should be wider than Iran’s, but none of that matters if they spend the first half moving the ball without breaking lines. They need tempo, sharper final passes, and a better sense of when to attack directly.

Iran need patience and discipline. They do not have to dominate possession to control the match. If they keep their shape, slow Belgium’s central passing, and survive the first Belgian surge, they can drag this into a game of moments. That is where Iran are most dangerous. They are comfortable making matches ugly, and they are not short on belief after the way they recovered against New Zealand.

The stakes are simple. Belgium are trying to avoid letting a strong group turn into a scramble. Iran are trying to prove that their opening draw was not a one-off. A win for either side would reshape Group G immediately, while a draw would leave everything hanging over the final matchday.

Prediction: Belgium 2, Iran 1. Belgium should have enough quality to break through eventually, especially if Lukaku gives them a more direct outlet and De Bruyne finds pockets of space. Iran are good enough to score and good enough to make this uncomfortable, but Belgium’s depth gives them the edge if they stay patient.

That would put Belgium in a far better position heading into the last round, while Iran would likely need a result against Egypt to keep their knockout hopes alive.

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.