World Cup 2026: Belgium vs Iran - Lukaku, De Bruyne & Saelemaekers all start

Belgium vs Iran takes place in Los Angeles this afternoon, as Group G’s stalemate pushes into the second round of World Cup fixtures.

Belgium drew their opener 1-1 with Egypt, whilst Iran were held to a 2-2 draw by New Zealand. With it all to play for, both sides will be eager to secure a good result, but the pressure rests more on the European side who were expected to be able to top their group.

Napoli’s Kevin De Bruyne once again stars in the heart of the Belgium attack, with Atalanta’s De Ketelaere moving to the bench after starting the opener.

Napoli forward Romelu Lukaku starts tonight after his vital involvement in his side’s goal against Egypt. Milan’s Alexis Saelemaekers also starts tonight for the Belgians.

Meanwhile, former Inter forward Mehdi Taremi leads the line for Iran.

Belgium: Courtois; Meunier, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper; Raskin, Tielemans; Saelemaekers, De Bruyne, Trossard; Lukaku

Iran: Beiranvand; Rezaeian, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Mohammadi, Hajisafi, Kanani, Mohebi, Ghoddos, Ezatolahi, Taremi