TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Belgium and Iran will face off in their second match of Group G at the 2026 World Cup at the Los Angeles Stadium, United States, on Monday, with a shared mission: to secure their first win to up their chances of qualifying for the round of 32.
The competition in Group G remains extremely tight after all the teams started the tournament with draws. Belgium drew 1-1 against Egypt, while Iran shared the points with New Zealand, drawing 2-2.
These results leave all four teams level on one point, with no team yet able to gain an advantage in the race for the top two spots.
This situation makes the Belgium-Iran match one of the most crucial matches in the group stage.
The team that can secure all three points will be in a more advantageous position heading into the final match, while a draw could potentially widen the competition.
Past Connections
Although this will be their first meeting at the World Cup, there are several connections linking the two teams.
Several Iranian players have experience in Belgian football, both current and past.
Forward Dennis Dargahi is one of the players who is quite familiar with Belgium's competitive atmosphere, having played in the country since 2022. Additionally, Alireza Jahanbakhsh currently plays in the Belgian league with Dender.
In defense, Milad Mohammadi played for Gent before returning to pursue a career elsewhere.
This connection gives Iran an edge, although club experience is not necessarily a guarantee in international matches like the World Cup.
In terms of experience and achievements, Belgium remains the favorite. The Red Devils are participating in their 15th World Cup and appearing for the fourth consecutive time since the 2014 edition.
One of their best achievements came at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, when they finished third.
Belgium heads into the 2026 World Cup determined to improve on the previous edition in Qatar. At that time, a golden generation led by several senior players failed to advance beyond the group stage, resulting in significant disappointment.
Belgium is now under the direction of Rudi Garcia, who was appointed head coach in early 2025. Under his leadership, Belgium secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup after topping Group J of the European qualifying tournament.
The Belgian squad still boasts a number of experienced players, including Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku, Axel Witsel, and Thomas Meunier, who have been key players in recent years.
Meanwhile, Iran is aiming to make history. Team Melli will be making their seventh appearance at the World Cup finals and are still seeking to reach the knockout stage for the first time.
Amir Ghalenoei's team has shown convincing performances throughout the Asian qualifying campaign.
Iran has lost only once in 16 matches and advanced to the finals with an impressive record.
The experience of senior players like Mehdi Taremi is also a crucial asset for the Asian representatives.
With both teams seeking their first win and Group G still open, the match between Belgium and Iran is expected to be a tight one.
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