World Cup 2026 | Group G, Matchday 2
Sunday, June 21, 2026 — 3:00 p.m. ET | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
Watch in Canada: CTV, TSN, TSN+ | En français: RDS
A match with real separation value
Group G has reached the kind of early deadlock that makes every next step feel decisive. Belgium, Iran, Egypt, and New Zealand each opened with one point, which means the standings are level and the margins are tiny. Belgium’s meeting with Iran at SoFi Stadium is the game most likely to crack the group wide open, because a win would give one side a clear edge while leaving the other under immediate pressure going into the finale.
For Canadian viewers, this is one of the more attractive Sunday windows on the schedule. The match begins at 3:00 p.m. ET, and the combination of tournament stakes, contrasting styles, and a packed Los Angeles crowd should make it feel far larger than a standard second-group-stage fixture.
What the first round showed
Belgium’s opener exposed both its quality and its impatience. Against Egypt, the Red Devils had enough possession and enough territorial control to look comfortable for long stretches, but a sharp strike from Emam Ashour put them behind before the match was only a few minutes old. Rudi Garcia responded with a major change, sending on Romelu Lukaku in the second half, and the move paid off almost immediately when his presence forced an own goal and rescued a 1-1 draw.
Iran’s opener had a different feel entirely. Team Melli were forced to manage not only the match itself but also the external strain surrounding the squad’s buildup, including visa issues that complicated preparations. On the field, they twice fought back after falling behind, with Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebbi turning a difficult night into a 2-2 draw. That kind of response matters in a group where one point can still keep the door open.
The main battles inside the game
De Bruyne against a narrow block
Kevin De Bruyne remains the central problem every opponent must solve. Belgium need him to find space between the lines, because if Iran can keep their shape compact and deny central passing lanes, the attacking rhythm of the Red Devils can stall. De Bruyne’s ability to create from dead balls and quick combinations makes him the player most likely to tilt the match, but only if Belgium move the ball with enough speed to disorganize Iran’s midfield screen.
Lukaku from the opening whistle
The question is no longer whether Lukaku can change a game. Against Egypt, he changed one in less than half a minute after entering the pitch. That is why his role matters here: Belgium may need his box presence from the start rather than as a late fix. In a tight group, waiting too long to use your most direct goal threat can become a costly mistake.
Iran’s delivery from wide areas
Iran have already shown that they can punish hesitation with service into the area. Rezaeian’s influence is especially important because his crossing and final-ball quality can create danger even when Iran are not spending long spells on the ball. If Belgium defend those moments poorly, they may find themselves dragged into a game of repeated second-ball pressure and awkward clearances.
Why the setting matters
SoFi Stadium should not feel neutral for very long. Los Angeles has one of the largest Iranian communities in the world, and that local presence can create a serious energy boost for Team Melli. When a crowd begins to sound like an extra attacker, it can alter tempo, confidence, and even the way officials and players respond to pressure.
That atmosphere also adds a different kind of challenge for Belgium. A team with bigger names and deeper tournament expectations can still become uneasy when the game does not break early in its favor. If Iran keep the score level into the second half, the emotional weight of the stadium could start to matter as much as tactics.
What it means for the group
Belgium enter this tournament carrying the burden of unfinished business. Their group-stage exit in 2022 still hangs over the program, and the core of this squad is now older, more experienced, and aware that this may be one of the last chances for the current generation to deliver something meaningful together. A second draw would leave the door open, but a defeat would turn the group into a serious crisis.
Iran view the situation differently. They are not burdened by the same expectations, and that freedom can be useful. Another point would keep them firmly involved in the qualification race, while a win would place them on the brink of a historic breakthrough. That contrast in pressure is one of the most interesting features of this matchup.
Prediction
Belgium have the stronger overall roster and the more reliable midfield creators, but they need to show their superiority immediately rather than after halftime. Iran are organized enough to make this uncomfortable, and their resilience means they will stay alive even if Belgium start well. Still, the combination of De Bruyne’s creativity and Lukaku’s finishing threat gives Belgium the sharper edge.
Final score: Belgium 2, Iran 1.
That result would push Belgium into a far better position in Group G and leave Iran needing a result in their final match to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive.
Sunday’s Group G television window
All times Eastern.
Tunisia vs. Japan — 12:00 p.m. ET; Spain vs. Saudi Arabia — 12:00 p.m. ET; Belgium vs. Iran — 3:00 p.m. ET; Uruguay vs. Cabo Verde — 6:00 p.m. ET; New Zealand vs. Egypt — 9:00 p.m. ET.
All matches available on CTV, TSN, and TSN+. French-language coverage on RDS.