Match Prediction
How the Model Sees It Unfold
- Lukaku · De Bruyne⚽18’
- 34’Khalilzadeh
- Onana47’
- Doku · De Bruyne⚽54’
- 61’Ezatolahi
- 74’Cheshmi
- Lukaku⚽78’
Match Info
- Tournament
- FIFA World Cup 2026
- Stage
- Group Stage
- Date
- 21 Jun 2026
- Kick-off
- 19:00 (local)
- Stadium
- SoFi Stadium
- City
- Inglewood
Pressing & Heat Zones
Belgium dominated the final third, with heavy activity down both flanks and central overloads through the lines.
Iran sat deep in their own half, concentrating activity in a narrow defensive mid-block with limited counter-attacking forays.
Belgium subs
- 15De Ketelaere
- 16Vanaken
- 17Lukébakio
- 18Raskin
- 4Meunier
- 19Saelemaekers
- 23Lammens
Iran subs
- 10Ghayedi
- 11Alipour
- 18Hosseinzadeh
- 24Eckert
- 5Mohammadi
- 26Razzaghinia
- 22Hosseini
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.