Substitutes
Substitutes
Match Preview
- Group G Matchday 2 brings Pot 1 Belgium and Pot 3 Iran together in Los Angeles. A crucial encounter for both teams' knockout stage aspirations. Belgium seeks redemption after their 2022 Qatar group stage exit, having finished third at Russia 2018. Iran, meanwhile, has never escaped the group stage in six previous World Cups and targets a historic Round of 16 berth.
- Contrasting formations: Belgium's 4-2-3-1 versus Iran's 5-4-1. Belgium deploys De Bruyne (34) as the number 10, flanked by Trossard (31) and Saelemaekers (26) on the wings with Lukaku (33) leading the line. Iran sets up with five defenders (Hajsafi, Nemati, Khalilzadeh 37, Kanaanizadegan, Hardani 27) and relies on Taremi's (33) counter-attacking threat as the lone striker.
- Belgium's midfield pivot features captain Tielemans (29, CM) and Raskin (25, CDM). Tielemans provides vision and distribution while Raskin offers ball recovery and vertical passing. Iran's midfield sees Ezatolahi (29, CDM, 190cm) anchoring the base, with Mohebbi (27, LW), Ghoddos (32, CM, ex-Brentford) and Rezaeian (36, RB) forming the defensive block and counter-attack launch points.
- Belgium's rejuvenated backline draws attention. Veteran Mechele (33, CB) partners young Ngoy (23, CB, Lille) with De Cuyper (25, LB, Anderlecht) and Meunier (34, RB, PSG/Dortmund experience) completing the defense. Iran's Taremi brings 105 caps and 60 international goals from Olympiacos. The Porto league top scorer and Inter Milan CL finalist offers 188cm physicality and two-footed technique.
- A potential World Cup swansong for golden generations on both sides. Belgium's trio of De Bruyne (34, Napoli since summer 2025), Lukaku (33, Napoli, 90 international goals record) and Courtois (34, Real Madrid, 200cm) aim for glory in their fourth World Cup. Iran's Beiranvand (33, GK, famous 2018 Ronaldo penalty save) and captain Jahanbakhsh (32, 98 caps) pursue their nation's first-ever R16 qualification in their third consecutive tournament.
- Belgium possesses significant bench depth with Amadou Onana (24, CDM, Aston Villa, 195cm), Lukebakio (28, RW, Benfica) and De Ketelaere (25, CAM, Atalanta) as game-changing options. Iran counters with Jahanbakhsh (32, RW, Dender), Torabi (31, CAM) and Alipour (30, ST, two-footed) in reserve, preparing for a second-half push.