Belgium had a bad affair and drew vs. Iran in a scoreless match. Hence, this game was massive for them. After all, Belgium came as the massive favorite to dominate Group G and haven’t won any of their two games.

As for Egypt, they are now in prime position to win Group G of the 2026 World Cup after beating New Zealand 3-1. The Kiwis now have a lot of pressure towards their last game.

Updated 2026 World Cup Group G standings

With Egypt’s win over New Zealand, all cards are on the table, as no team has secured a spot in the next round of the 2026 World Cup. Hence, the standings now are like this:

2026 World Cup Group G Matchday 3 games

Since all teams are still alive, there will be an added tension between Egypt, Iran, Belgium, and New Zealand. Due to this being the Matchday 3 where all is decided, all games will be played at the same time.

• June 26, 11 PM ET: New Zealand vs. Belgium – BC Place, Vancouver, Canada
• June 26, 11 PM ET: Egypt vs. Iran – Seattle Stadium, Washington, USA

Now, if the Oceanians draw against the Pharaohs, everything would remain level in the standings, and there would be a dramatic final matchday. All teams would enter the last round with 2 points each.

For Belgium, drawing against Iran represents a missed opportunity, given the ranking difference between the two teams. However, this beautiful sport always presents these kinds of challenges, and the Asians secured a valuable point against one of the group’s powerhouses. This is how the table looks ahead of the match between New Zealand and Egypt:

What’s next for Iran and Belgium?

The third matchday of Group G at the 2026 World Cup will be decisive for both Belgium and Iran, with each side facing crucial fixtures in the final round of the group stage. Belgium will take on New Zealand on June 26 at BC Place in Vancouver, while Iran will face Egypt on the same day at Lumen Field in Seattle.

Both matches will be played simultaneously, adding extra tension to the group’s conclusion, as all four teams still have a chance of qualifying and every point could prove decisive in the race to reach the Round of 16.

The Belgium and Iran‘s draw was absolutely unexpected, but it confirms Iran is better than expected, and that Belgium’s golden generation is fully gone and it’s not a team to fear anymore.

The big winner of this tie is actually the winner of the New Zealand vs Egypt game. The winner will become the leader of Group G, and that will put immense pressure on the rest of the teams as only one group stage match remains.

Group G updated standings post Belgium vs Iran

With this result, both Belgium and Iran top the group as of now with two points. Still, this could change easily as soon as the New Zealand vs Egypt game is played later.

Group G’s Matchday 3 games

Given that all is left to play and all four teams are still alive and seeking qualification to the knockout rounds, it’s going to be an intense Matchday 3 for all involved in Group G.

• June 26, 11:00 PM ET: New Zealand vs Belgium – BC Place, Vancouver
• June 26, 11:00 PM ET: Egypt vs Iran – Seattle Stadium, Seattle

The situation of their opponent is different, although not by much. Iran currently sit in 22nd place in the rankings, becoming one of the highest-ranked Asian teams in the competition.

The Red Devils will face this crucial match without one of their key players: Jeremy Doku is not playing due to illness. As a result, Leandro Trossard will feature in his second match of the tournament for Rudi Garcia’s team.

How many points do Belgium have in FIFA rankings?

Belgium currently have 1733.93 points, rounding out the global top 10 just behind Portugal and Germany. Headed into their upcoming match against Iran in Los Angeles Stadium, the Red Devils will look to build on this solid foundation as they face a tough opponent determined to shake up the group standings.

What’s next for Belgium?

For the final fixture of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage, Belgium will close out Group G against New Zealand. The decisive match is scheduled for Friday, June 26, 2026, at 8:00 PM local time (PT). The encounter will take place at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada, where the Red Devils will look to secure their spot in the knockout stage under the stadium’s iconic retractable roof.

Inglewood, California, will serve as the epicenter for this high-stakes clash, with the pitch at SoFi Stadium—officially designated as Los Angeles Stadium due to FIFA regulations—primed for what promises to be a thrilling, must-watch encounter.

With star winger Jeremy Doku sidelined from Belgium’s lineup today, the Red Devils are eager to prove that their disappointing opening result against Egypt was merely a temporary setback and that they remain a legitimate threat to make a deep tournament run.

As Belgium’s potential advancement scenarios hang in the balance, both managers are prepared to deploy their strongest tactical setups to secure a vital result, chasing a coveted spot in the Round of 32 alongside heavyweight nations like Mexico, the United States, and Germany, who have already punched their tickets.

Weather for Belgium vs Iran

The Group G World Cup matchup between Belgium and Iran today takes place at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, under pristine weather conditions. Forecasters project a beautiful, postcard-perfect Southern California afternoon, with outdoor ambient temperatures hovering around a comfortable 73°F (23°C).

Relative humidity levels are expected to sit at a moderate 56%, accompanied by a gentle southwest breeze between 7 and 8 mph (11 to 13 km/h), making it an ideal day for fans tailgating outside the venue. Inside the state-of-the-art stadium, the pitch and playing conditions will remain entirely controlled and consistent.

Expected attendance for Belgium and Iran

A raucous, sellout crowd of 70,492 fans is expected to pack the stands today, meeting the maximum official capacity permitted by FIFA for this tournament. While the venue has the structural capability to expand up to 100,000 spectators for future mega-events, every single available seat for this afternoon’s crucial matchup will be occupied.

Entering the second matchday of the group stage, all four teams are even in Group G. Because Belgium tied against Egypt while Iran and New Zealand settled for a 2-2 draw, the four sides have a single point. In more ways than one, they are all still on square one.

Thus, Belgium and Iran’s game at Los Angeles Stadium is crucial. Neither team can afford a misstep. For Belgium, the pressure is mostly on them, as they entered the 2026 World Cup as the favorites in Group G and potential title contenders. Iran, on the other hand, can play with the benefit of having everything to gain and little to lose.

What happens if Belgium beat Iran today?

A win over Iran would go a long way for Belgium. Not only would the Red Devils jump to first place in Group G with four points—at least until Egypt and New Zealand face off later—but it would help Belgium find their footing in the 2026 World Cup. Defeating Iran would not mathematically guarantee Belgium a place in the round of 32, but it would put them in prime position.

Belgium would be guaranteed to finish at least third with a victory over Iran, and with four points and one game to go, it would likely take a disastrous result in the final match against New Zealand for Belgium to miss the round of 32. Even if they lose to the All Whites, four points could be enough to finish as one of the eight best third-place teams in the 2026 World Cup.

However, anything can happen. If Belgium win against Iran today, they should aim to secure at least one point against New Zealand to avoid having their calculators out on the final matchday. A win over New Zealand in the final matchday should be enough to finish first in Group G, unless Egypt defeat both New Zealand and Iran, and finish with a better overall goal differential than Belgium.

What happens if Belgium and Iran tie?

While Belgium are under pressure to defeat Iran, a draw would not be disastrous. If Belgium and Iran draw, the Red Devils would have two points and be in need of a win in the final matchday of the group stage—against New Zealand—to punch their ticket to the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup.

A draw would be bittersweet, as it would leave Belgium with two points and everything on the line in their next outing. Still, and needless to say, it would leave them in a far more encouraging position than a loss would.

What happens if Belgium lose against Iran today?

A defeat at the hands of Iran would be the worst-case scenario for Belgium. Iran would move into first place—at least momentarily. Belgium, with a single point, wouldn’t be eliminated, but they would need to pay close attention to the action between New Zealand and Egypt.

In the final matchday, not only would Belgium need a win over New Zealand, but they would also need to score more goals than whoever prevails in the other game between Iran and Egypt. If Belgium lose to Iran, the final score could also play a major role, as it would create a deficit the Red Devils would need to erase in their final game against New Zealand, while also moving ahead in goals differential than their group competitors.

All in all, a loss to Iran would leave Belgium with no margin for error and in desperate need of a win over New Zealand, while also potentially requiring help from third-party results and other groups’ standings. The easy way out for Belgium, then? Avoiding a loss against Iran. A win would virtually send them through to the next round, a draw would leave them needing a win in the last game, and a loss to Iran may require a blowout victory over New Zealand.

World Cup tie-breakers

The first tie-breaking criterion is the head-to-head result. Because there’s a scenario in which Iran defeat Belgium, Belgium beat New Zealand, New Zealand do the same to Egypt, and Egypt take down Iran—creating a vicious circle—the Group G standings may come down to head-to-head goal differential and goals scored. Even those could finish tied, and that’s when overall goal differential would become the tie-breaker.

If the overall goal differential and goals scored are the same for all four teams, then fair play points will decide the standings. If even that is tied, then it will come down to each side’s FIFA ranking. For the time being, Belgium are first in that regard at No. 10, whereas Iran are No. 22 in the FIFA rankings. Egypt (28th) and New Zealand (83rd) trail the Red Devils.

Needless to say, if it comes down to FIFA rankings, New Zealand’s odds of making it out of the group stage are slim to none.

2026 World Cup Group G standings

According to the official injury report, Doku is sidelined for today’s match against Iran due to an illness. Manager Rudi Garcia faces the difficult task of finding a tactical replacement on the left flank, where the Manchester City star typically anchors the attack as the undisputed starter.

With the official lineups locked in for both Belgium and Iran, Doku is relegated to watching from the stands. The hope is that the winger can fully recover in time for the final Group G match against New Zealand, where a spot in the knockout stage will likely be on the line.

Who will replace Doku in the game vs Iran?

With Doku unavailable, Garcia has tapped Leandro Trossard to fill the void in the starting XI. This marks Trossard’s second consecutive start of the 2026 World Cup, following a tactical shift that saw him deployed in a different role against Egypt during Round 1.

In another notable lineup wrinkle, Romelu Lukaku gets the nod in the starting XI. The veteran striker faced heavy criticism ahead of the tournament due to a recent goal-scoring drought, but his physical presence upfront remains vital to a Belgian side that is undeniably more dangerous when he is on the pitch.

Another player will be absent today vs Iran

Doku isn’t the only casualty on the Belgian availability report. Defender Zeno Debast remains out indefinitely after sustaining a leg injury just prior to last week’s World Cup opener against Egypt.

Shorthanded without two key pieces, Belgium face a stern test in Round 2. Securing all three points today is paramount if they want to control their own destiny and lock down a spot in the round of 32.

The Red Devils opened their campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Egypt, while Iran played out an entertaining 2-2 thriller against New Zealand. As a result, every team in Group G remains in contention, making today’s duel one of the most important games of Matchday 2. Los Angeles will host this match between Belgium and Iran.

With qualification scenarios still wide open in the World Cup, both nations know that three points could dramatically improve their chances of reaching the Round of 32. Belgium will be dealing with a key absence as Jeremy Doku isn’t playing today against Iran.

Who is the referee for Belgium vs Iran in 2026 World Cup?

The match will be officiated by referee Dario Herrera (Argentina). He will be assisted by Cristian Navarro (Argentina) and Gabriel Chade (Argentina). The fourth official for the match is Yusuke Araki (Japan), while the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) assigned to the game is Hernan Mastrangelo (Argentina).

What uniforms are Belgium and Iran wearing today?

Belgium will wear their traditional red home kit. The Red Devils are expected to take the field in red shirts with yellow trim, black shorts with yellow details, and black socks featuring yellow accents. Iran, meanwhile, will wear an all-white uniform consisting of white shirts, white shorts, and white socks.

Iran currently sit 22nd in FIFA’s world rankings. The draw against New Zealand, the lowest-ranked team at the 2026 World Cup, clearly came at a price for Iran, who dropped two places from the 20th position they held entering soccer’s biggest tournament. Belgium and Iran now lock horns at a packed Los Angeles Stadium.

As the Persian Cheetahs take on the Red Devils in a game in which they are heavy underdogs, they will be facing the No. 10-ranked country in FIFA’s current World Rankings. Belgium have also slipped since the 2026 World Cup began. Belgium’s 1-1 draw against Egypt caused them to drop one spot, as they had entered the tournament at 9th place. To make matters worse, Jeremy Doku isn’t playing today.

How many points do Iran have in FIFA rankings?

As it stands, Iran have 1,605.12 points in the FIFA rankings, whereas Belgium have 1,733.93. Iran’s total currently has them just ahead of South Korea, who sit at No. 23 with 1,591.75 points, and right behind Austria, who are No. 21 with 1,612.86 points.

Iran’s original 20th place is now held by Denmark, who have climbed one spot and have 1,619.47 points, although they failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The Danes are the second-highest-ranked team not participating in the World Cup, trailing only Italy, who missed the tournament for the third straight edition yet currently hold the No. 14 spot with 1,704.73 points.

Iran’s stats leaders in 2026 World Cup

Only one game into the 2026 World Cup, Iran have already showcased their strengths and weaknesses against New Zealand. If Belgium paid close attention, they might be able to exploit them in Group G’s second matchday. However, Belgium did not put in their best performance either, and Iran may be able to put them against the ropes.

As it stands, Mohammad Mohebbi and Ramin Rezaeian lead the team with one goal each. However, the latter has been the main attacking producer—despite being a defender—as Rezaeian has scored a goal and assisted another. Although Mehdi Taremi is the main threat for the Persian Cheetahs, Belgium cannot afford to overlook the impact of players like Mohebbi and Rezaeian. The referee and uniforms for Iran vs Belgium are set as this clash promises to deliver.

How to watch Belgium vs Iran in the USA

Viewers across the United States will be able to watch this highly awaited contest live on FS1 and Telemundo through traditional TV coverage.

The match will also be available on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Hulu + Live TV, and Peacock Premium. Don’t miss this exciting clash.

Can I watch Belgium vs Iran for free?

Viewers across the U.S. can stream this marquee matchup live on Fubo or DirecTV Stream, with both platforms currently providing a complimentary five-day trial for qualifying new users.

Available nationwide through either streaming option, the broadcast delivers every moment of the contest live, from the first whistle to the final seconds. A packed Los Angeles Stadium will host this showdown between Belgium and Iran.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

After opening the tournament with draws, Belgium and Iran meet in a key Group Stage clash as both sides hunt for their first win.

Belgium settled for a 1-1 result against Egypt, a performance that left Kevin De Bruyne and company looking for more after entering as favorites. In a huge blow, Belgium will be missing Jeremy Doku today.

Iran also earned a point in its opener, drawing 2-2 with New Zealand. With the group still wide open, both Belgium and Iran know a win here could provide a major boost to their hopes of advancing.

Belgium vs Iran: Confirmed Lineups

Belgium: Thibaut Courtois, Thomas Meunier, Maxim De Cuyper, Brandon Mechele, Nathan Ngoy, Youri Tielemans, Nicolas Raskin, Kevin De Bruyne, Leandro Trossard, Alexis Saelemaekers, Romelu Lukaku.

Iran: Alireza Beiranvand, Shoja Khalilzadeh, Ehsan Hajisafi, Saleh Hardani, Ali Nemati, Hossein Kanani, Ramin Rezaeian, Saman Ghoddos, Saeid Ezatolahi, Mohammad Mohebbi, Mehdi Taremi.

What time is the Belgium vs Iran match?

The match kicks off today, June 21, at 3:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 3:00 PM
Central Time: 2:00 PM
Mountain Time: 1:00 PM
Pacific Time: 12:00 PM

Keeping Lukaku on the bench for this match is a decision that is, at the very least, intriguing. The prolific striker is Belgium’s all-time leading goalscorer, having scored 90 goals in 126 appearances.

Rudi Garcia’s attack combines experience, talent, and youth. Kevin De Bruyne will serve as the main playmaker, supported on the flanks by Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard.

On the other side stands Egypt. The Pharaohs, currently ranked 30th in the FIFA World Rankings, are an African powerhouse that arrived in the USA, Mexico, and Canada with Mohamed Salah as their main figurehead in their pursuit of success.

Group G kicks off with this compelling matchup between two teams aiming to establish themselves as contenders. Belgium, despite not relying on foreign-born players, has plenty of reasons to believe it can make a strong impact in the tournament.

What awaits Belgium beyond Egypt in the 2026 World Cup

Following their initial encounter with Egypt, Belgium will navigate the remainder of their Group G fixtures in the United States and Canada. The Red Devils will first cross paths with Iran on Sunday, June 21, 2026, playing at the Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) in Inglewood, California.

Rudi Garcia’s squad will then conclude their group stage campaign on Friday, June 26, 2026, when they travel north to face New Zealand at the BC Place stadium in Vancouver, Canada.