Both teams, having drawn their first matches, will face each other tonight at 12:45 AM as Belgium takes on Iran in a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage match. Each team aims to secure a victory to strengthen their chances of advancing to the final 32. Belgium’s main striker Romelu Lukaku is expected to return to the starting lineup, while Jeremy Doku will miss the game. (7 Asar, Kathmandu)
Tonight, Group G rivals Belgium and Iran compete at the Los Angeles Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 12:45 AM. Both sides managed to come from behind to secure draws in their opening matches—Belgium drew 1-1 against Egypt, and Iran fought back to draw 2-2 with New Zealand. All four teams in the group currently share equal points, making tonight’s match pivotal; the winner will be close to securing a spot in the knockout stages.
This fixture marks the first-ever encounter between Belgium and Iran in football history. Iran will aim to contain a comparatively stronger Belgian side, while Belgium looks to claim a comfortable victory to bolster their prospects in the tournament. According to FIFA rankings, Belgium currently holds 9th place, with Iran ranked 22nd.
Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku, who impressed after entering the field in the opening match, is likely to start tonight’s game. Coach Rudy Garcia may deploy Lukaku from the outset despite him not being fully fit for the full 90 minutes, utilizing his presence to pressure the Iranian defense. Captain Kevin De Bruyne and midfielder Youri Tielemans will lead the team’s attacking efforts. Winger Jeremy Doku will miss the match due to respiratory concerns.
At the forefront for Iran is 33-year-old striker Mehdi Taremi. With valuable European football experience, Taremi is known for his counter-attacking skills and strong positioning inside the box. He could pose a significant threat to Belgium’s defense by converting chances into goals tonight. Also notable is veteran Ramin Rezaeian, who at 36 years old scored a goal and provided an assist in the previous game, becoming the oldest Asian player to achieve such a feat in World Cup history, making him a key player for Iran.
