World Cup 2026 | Group G, Matchday 2Sunday, June 21, 2026 — 3:00 p.m. ET | SoFi Stadium, Los AngelesWatch in Canada: CTV, TSN, TSN+ | En français: RDS
A group with no margin for error
Group G arrives at Sunday’s Belgium-Iran meeting with all four teams tied on one point, and that is exactly why this match feels so pivotal. Belgium, Iran, Egypt, and New Zealand have each started with a draw, which means one clean finish at SoFi Stadium could reshape the entire section in a single afternoon.
Belgium were held 1-1 by Egypt after Emam Ashour’s opener and Mohamed Hany’s own goal after Romelu Lukaku entered the match, while Iran recovered twice from deficits in a 2-2 draw with New Zealand. That shared opening-round scoreline has turned this fixture into an early separator rather than just another group game.
Why this game matters now
This is not just about three points. Belgium are expected to compete for first place in Group G, while Iran are seen as the main threat to the automatic qualification spots behind them. A win for either side would create immediate breathing room in a group that is currently defined by balance rather than hierarchy.
The matchup also carries a clear psychological edge. Belgium come in with more individual talent and more room for error, but Iran have already shown that they can recover under pressure and stay organized when the match gets stretched. In a short group stage, that combination can matter as much as reputation.
Key matchups that could decide it
De Bruyne against Iran’s defensive block
Kevin De Bruyne remains Belgium’s primary creative force, and the way Iran handle him will shape the game. Belgium’s best chance to open the match will come from De Bruyne finding space between the lines and turning possession into quick, vertical attacks.
Lukaku from the start
Romelu Lukaku changed Belgium’s opener almost immediately after coming on, and his presence should force a different defensive response from Iran. Belgium need a stronger start than they produced against Egypt, and Lukaku gives them a more direct route into the penalty area.
Iran’s delivery from wide areas
Iran created damage against New Zealand through service into the box, with Ramin Rezaeian central to both the equalizer and the final assist sequence. If Iran can push the match toward set pieces and crosses, they can keep Belgium’s back line under pressure.
The crowd factor in Los Angeles
SoFi Stadium should lean heavily toward Iran in atmosphere, given the size of the Iranian community in Southern California. That kind of support can make a neutral venue feel far less neutral, especially if the match stays level deep into the second half.
Quick comparison
| Team | Opening result | Main strength | Biggest concern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium | 1-1 vs. Egypt | Individual quality in attack | Slow starts and limited early chance creation |
| Iran | 2-2 vs. New Zealand | Resilience and set-piece danger | Defending sustained pressure |
How the match could unfold
Belgium should control more of the ball, but possession alone will not settle this game. Iran are likely to stay compact, absorb pressure, and wait for moments to counter or attack from dead-ball situations. If Belgium are patient and precise, their superior depth should eventually show. If they are careless in transition, Iran have already proven they can punish hesitation.
The first half may be more tactical than open, with both teams cautious about making the mistake that changes the group math. After the break, the game should become more vertical, especially if Belgium are chasing a breakthrough and Iran are still level.
Final read
Belgium have the better roster and the more reliable match-winners, but Iran have enough organization and momentum to make this uncomfortable. The most likely difference is Belgium’s ability to bring higher-end attacking options off the bench and sustain pressure longer than Iran can.
Prediction: Belgium 2, Iran 1.
That result would put Belgium in a much stronger position to advance, while Iran would still leave themselves alive for a decisive final group match.
Sunday’s Group G schedule for Canadian viewers
The full slate for Sunday is spread across the afternoon and evening in Eastern time, with Belgium-Iran in the middle window. Tunisia vs. Japan and Spain vs. Saudi Arabia both start at 12:00 p.m. ET, Belgium vs. Iran kicks off at 3:00 p.m. ET, Uruguay vs. Cabo Verde begins at 6:00 p.m. ET, and New Zealand vs. Egypt closes the day at 9:00 p.m. ET.
All matches are available on CTV, TSN, and TSN+, with French-language coverage on RDS.
