World Cup 2026 | Group G, Matchday 2Sunday, June 21, 2026 — 3:00 p.m. ET | SoFi Stadium, Los AngelesWatch in Canada: CTV, TSN, TSN+ | En français: RDS
Group G has opened exactly where no one wanted it to: all four teams on one point and every margin still alive. Belgium and Iran now meet in a game that could decide the shape of the group before the final round even begins.
For viewers in Canada, this is an easy one to mark down. It lands in the middle of the afternoon, and it has the feel of a match where one good spell, one set piece, or one mistake could alter the entire group table.
Why this match matters
Belgium’s first result was steady but not fully convincing. They controlled stretches against Egypt, fell behind, and had to lean on late changes to avoid defeat. That leaves them in a position where a win would bring real control, while another draw would keep the group crowded and uncertain.
Iran arrive with a different kind of momentum. Their opener showed resilience, with the team twice coming from behind to earn a point, and that response fits the broader pattern of a squad that is comfortable surviving pressure. They have never advanced beyond the group stage in previous World Cup appearances, so even a single point in a match like this keeps the door open to something historic.
- Belgium need control early if they want to avoid another long, tense finish.
- Iran want another compact, stubborn performance that keeps the match narrow.
- A win changes everything in a group that is still level across the board.
Key things to watch
Kevin De Bruyne in central areas. Belgium’s main creator has the passing range to pull apart deep defenses, but only if he can receive the ball between the lines rather than being forced into wide or crowded spaces. Iran will likely try to reduce those pockets and make Belgium work from the outside.
Romelu Lukaku’s role from the start. His late introduction in the opener changed Belgium’s attack almost immediately, and that makes him the obvious focal point here. If he starts, Belgium gain a more direct route to goal from the opening whistle.
Iran’s delivery from wide areas. Iran were effective when they moved the ball into dangerous crossing zones in their first match, and that remains one of their most realistic ways to hurt a stronger opponent. If Belgium lose track of runners in the box, the match could turn quickly.
The stadium atmosphere. SoFi Stadium is likely to have a heavy Iranian presence, which could make this feel less like a neutral setting than it looks on paper. That kind of energy matters in a tight game, especially if Belgium start slowly.
The outlook
Belgium have the more talented squad and the deeper bench, and that usually matters in a match with this much tension. But Iran have already shown they can stay calm under stress, absorb pressure, and stay alive long enough to make opponents uncomfortable.
The most likely pattern is straightforward: Belgium see more of the ball, Iran defend in a tight block, and the first goal becomes the key moment. If Belgium score first, they can play to their strengths and force Iran forward. If Iran strike first, the match becomes much harder for the Red Devils to manage.
Prediction: Belgium 2, Iran 1.
Belgium should have enough quality to edge it, but this does not look like a comfortable afternoon. Iran are organized, difficult to break down, and good enough to make the favorite earn every chance.
Sunday’s Group G slate for Canadian viewers
- Tunisia vs. Japan — 12:00 p.m. ET
- Spain vs. Saudi Arabia — 12:00 p.m. ET
- Belgium vs. Iran — 3:00 p.m. ET
- Uruguay vs. Cabo Verde — 6:00 p.m. ET
- New Zealand vs. Egypt — 9:00 p.m. ET
All matches available on CTV, TSN, and TSN+. French-language coverage on RDS.