Belgium must improve on their underwhelming performance against Egypt in their World Cup opener if they are to overcome a solid Iranian side.
There is no debate about the individual quality on display in Los Angeles, but Belgium need to be more efficient and cohesive as a team if they are to claim all three points against Iran as we look at the latest World Cup odds.
I'm backing them to win. Read on to find out why in my Belgium vs. Iran predictions and World Cup picks for June 21.
TOP PICK
Who will win Belgium vs Iran: Belgium -1.5 (+129)
Belgium are unbeaten in their last 14 international matches, winning nine of them, since a 3-1 defeat to Ukraine in the UEFA Nations League in March 2025. They will be looking to beat Iran and seal qualification for the knockout stages of the World Cup.
Their quality is superior, particularly in midfield, where they should hold a decisive advantage. Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana provide an excellent platform. Their creativity, composure and physical presence allow Belgium to control possession, dictate the tempo and dominate space.
Iran's best chance may come on the counterattack, which is where the Red Devils could be vulnerable. Belgium can count themselves unfortunate not to have beaten Egypt, and I don't expect them to be as wasteful in front of goal for a second consecutive match.
Given their strong record in the group stage - they have lost only one of their previous 16 World Cup group-stage matches - I'm backing them to win in Los Angeles on Sunday evening.
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Belgium vs Iran Over/Under pick: Over 2.5 goals scored (-127)
Belgium have scored four or more goals in five of their last eight matches, highlighting their ability to put teams to the sword. Iran's matches also tend to produce goals, with six of their last eight competitive fixtures featuring over 2.5 goals.
Iran opened their World Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand, exposing some defensive vulnerabilities in the process. It's difficult to see a Belgium side packed with attacking quality being kept quiet by an Iranian defence that struggled in its opening game.
Belgium not only boast a strong starting XI, but also an impressive array of options on the bench. Against Egypt, Romelu Lukaku, Hans Vanaken and Fernandez-Pardo were introduced from the bench, while Alexis Saelemaekers, Dodi Lukebakio and Axel Witsel remained unused.
I expect plenty of goals in the Belgium vs Iran clash, with Belgium likely to do most of the damage.
Belgium vs Iran projected lineup
Belgium (4-3-3): Courtois, Meunier, Mechele, Ngoy, Cuyper, Tielemans, De Bruyne, Onana, Doku, Lukaku, Trossard.
Iran (4-4-2): Beiranvand, Rezaeian, Nemati, Khalilzadeh, Mohammadi, Mohebbi, Ezatolahi, Ghoddos, Ghayedi, Moghanloo, Taremi
Belgium vs Iran injuries
Belgium: Zeno Debast CB (Questionable).
Iran: Alireza Jahanbakhsh FW (Questionable).
Belgium vs Iran weather
Los Angeles will be sunny with pleasant temperatures around 23°C (73°F). Humidity will be roughly 56%, and a light southwest breeze of about 11 km/h to 13 km/h (7 to 8 mph) will keep things comfortable.
Belgium vs Iran odds
| Belgium | Iran | |
|---|---|---|
| -213 | Moneyline | +733 |
| +376 | Draw | +376 |
| Over 2.5 (-113) | Total | Under 2.5 (+113) |
Odds courtesy of Kalshi.
How to watch Belgium vs Iran
Check out FIFA's official 2026 World Cup website for more information.
| Location | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California |
| Date | Sunday, June 21, 2026 |
| Time | 3 p.m. ET |
| TV | FS1 |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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