Belgium vs Iran: prediction & betting odds 21 June 2026

Form and Line-up Belgium

In essence, Belgium's draw with Egypt can be described as a shock, as before kick-off the odds on the favourites were around 20:00 BST, while the final draw was priced at 4.20. Rudi Garcia fielded virtually his strongest side, with one exception — Romelu Lukaku. The team showed a high level of possession (58% in the first half), but there was no sustained pressure on the penalty area. Only when the powerful striker came on did the situation on the pitch change: the side immediately equalised, and not without his help. Only the two left-backs, Timothy Castagne and Maxim De Cuyper, are walking a disciplinary tightrope.

Key numbers:

• In the 21st century, Belgium have faced only one Asian team at the World Cup — Japan. The team avoided defeat in both matches, and both games went over the total (2:2, 3:2).

• Belgium's last six matches at World Cups have all ended with Under 2.5 goals landing.

• Egypt's goal was the first Belgium had conceded in the first half at World Cups for nine matches.

• In the match against Egypt, 60% of Belgium's long passes found their target (18/30).

Probable line-up (4-2-3-1): Thibaut Courtois – Thomas Meunier, Nathan Ngoy, Brandon Mechele, Timothy Castagne – Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans – Leandro Trossard, Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku – Romelu Lukaku.

Form and Line-up Iran

At this tournament, Iran have played only against the most manageable opponent for them, New Zealand, and even then they had serious problems. In the end, the team managed to come from behind twice and finish the match with a high-scoring draw. Alireza Beiranvand saved six shots, but his goalkeeping xG still went into the red (-1.0). This was the fourth game in a row in which the side scored at least two goals. However, all of the opponents were non-European national teams.

Key numbers:

• Iran scored against their previous three European opponents at World Cups, and even scored twice against the last two. They picked up four points in those games.

• Across the last three World Cups, including this one, Iran have conceded more than one goal in only two of seven matches.

• In the match against New Zealand, the Middle Eastern team were caught offside twice. That was one of the reasons a goal was disallowed at the end of the first half.

• Iran have scored in the second half in each of their last five matches.

Probable line-up (4-4-2): Alireza Beiranvand – Ramin Rezaeian, Shojae Khalilzadeh, Ali Nemati, Milad Mohammadi – Mohammad Mohebi, Saman Ghoddos, Saeid Ezatolahi, Aria Yousefi – Shahriar Moghanlou, Mehdi Taremi.

Who will referee the match 

Darío Herrera (Argentina) 

Matches – 5 (International matches, 2026);

Average fouls per match – 24;

Average yellow/red cards per match (including second yellows) – 4,8;

Matches with a straight red card – 1 out of 5;

Matches with a penalty – 0 out of 5.