Belgium delivered a polished, professional Group G opener at SoFi Stadium, with Kevin De Bruyne pulling every string from a deep-lying playmaker role and Romelu Lukaku leading the line with authority. Iran set up in a disciplined 4-5-1 low block, looking to frustrate the Red Devils and hit on the counter through Taremi, but Belgium's suffocating press and relentless width made life impossible. De Bruyne's perfectly weighted through-ball split the Iranian centre-backs in the 18th minute, and Lukaku's composed finish gave Beiranvand no chance. Doku was electric on the left flank throughout, and his darting run and low finish after a second De Bruyne assist on 54 minutes effectively killed the contest. The penalty on 78 minutes — won by Doku after Khalilzadeh's clumsy challenge — was converted emphatically by Lukaku for his second of the night. Iran's only real moment of danger came via a Taremi header on 67 minutes that Courtois palmed over with ease. Belgium look ominous in Group G.

• De Bruyne registered two assists, dictating tempo from deep with 91% pass accuracy and 4 key passes.
• Lukaku's brace (1 open play, 1 penalty) takes him to 73 international goals — Belgium's all-time record extended.
• Iran managed just 1 shot on target all match; Courtois was barely tested.
• Doku completed 7/8 dribbles, the most of any player on the pitch, terrorising Khalilzadeh all evening.
• Belgium's high press won 9 ball recoveries in Iran's half in the first 45 minutes.
• Iran's defensive block held firm until the 18th minute but was systematically dismantled by Belgium's width.