Belgium vs Iran – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Belgium and Iran face off at the Los Angeles Stadium in a Group G Round 2 encounter on Sunday after both teams drew their respective Round 1 matches.

Belgium vs Iran – Match preview and team news

Belgium team news

Jérémy Doku is officially ruled out for Belgium’s crucial World Cup Group G match against Iran due to a respiratory illness.

The Manchester City winger fought the infection for two weeks but was ultimately left out of the squad by coach Rudi Garcia.

In his absence, Leandro Trossard or Charles De Ketelaere could fill the gap out wide. Belgium also faces defensive setbacks, as Zeno Debast remains sidelined with a lingering thigh injury.

This means Brandon Mechele and Nathan Ngoy are expected to continue their partnership at centre-back.

On a positive note, star striker Romelu Lukaku is pushing hard for a spot in the starting lineup. After coming off the bench to save a 1-1 draw against Egypt, Lukaku will likely lead the attack ahead of De Ketelaere.

Thibaut Courtois will start in goal, protected by fullbacks Thomas Meunier and Maxim De Cuyper.

Iran team news

Iran faces several late fitness tests ahead of the match, with midfielders Saman Ghoddos and Roozbeh Cheshmi racing against time.

Ghoddos is dealing with an ankle knock, while Cheshmi is nursing a hamstring issue, making both players game-time decisions.

Furthermore, team captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh remains highly doubtful after missing the opening 2-2 draw against New Zealand with a muscular problem.

Beyond injuries, Iran is under severe physical strain due to strict United States travel restrictions. The team was forced to set up their base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, and must fly into Los Angeles just 24 hours before kickoff.

Despite these chaotic logistics, star forwards Mehdi Taremi and Shahriyar Moghanlou are fit and ready to spearhead the attack.

Veteran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand will start in net, hoping to anchor a resilient defensive line against the Belgian attack.

Form

Belgium

Belgium enters this match in mixed form after a slow start to their World Cup journey. They scrambled to a disappointing 1-1 draw against Egypt in their Group G opener. Before entering the tournament, Rudi Garcia’s side showed great promise with comfortable friendly wins over Croatia and Tunisia. They must now find that clinical edge to secure their first victory in the competition.

Iran

Iran comes into the game showing resilient form but feeling frustrated by missed opportunities. They fought hard to twice come from behind and salvage a dramatic 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their opening group fixture. Amir Ghalenoei’s squad enjoyed strong momentum right before the tournament, recording solid wins in pre-Cup friendlies against Gambia and Mali. Despite facing immense logistical strain off the pitch, Team Melli looks highly dangerous and sharp in attack.

Predicted lineups

Belgium: Courtois; Meunier, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper; Onana, Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne, Lukebakio; Lukaku.

Iran: Beiranvand; Rezaeian, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Mohammadi; Mohebi, Ezatolahi, Ghoddos, Ghayedi; Taremi, Moghanlou.

How to watch Belgium vs Iran?

You can watch the Belgium vs Iran match live and completely free-to-air on ITV1 in the UK.

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