Belgium vs Iran — World Cup 2026

Tale of the tape.

Last five walks into the room.

Who's hotter going in? Latest competitive results, newest first.

Three duels that decide it.

// Midfield maestro vs Defensive anchor · The creative duel

KB

K. De Bruyne

#7 · Manchester City

VS

S. Ghoddos

#14 · Al-Ittihad Kalba

De Bruyne's range of passing and verticality will test Ghoddos's discipline in a midfield battle that defines Belgium's attacking tempo. If Ghoddos can press early and disrupt De Bruyne's rhythm, Iran may frustrate the hosts; but the Manchester City playmaker's technical superiority should prevail in open play.

// Left winger vs Right fullback · The explosive edge

JD

J. Doku

#11 · Manchester City

VS

E. Hajisafi

#3 · AEK Athens FC

Doku's electric acceleration and close control will repeatedly isolate Hajisafi down Belgium's left flank. Hajisafi's experience and positioning can provide brief respite, but Doku's direct threat suggests Belgium will engineer width-based chances throughout.

// Centre-back vs Withdrawn forward · The pressing duel

ZD

Z. Debast

#2 · Sporting CP

VS

A. Jahanbakhsh

#7 · Heerenveen

Jahanbakhsh's tendency to drop deep and link play will draw Debast out of his defensive line, testing the Sporting CP defender's concentration and timing. Debast's athleticism should cope with Jahanbakhsh's crafting role, though Iran's positional discipline could create pockets of space in the middle third.

Belgium's Precision vs Iran's Structural Discipline

Two tactical philosophies collide: Belgium's ball-dominant, high-tempo intensity against Iran's organised defensive shell and counter-press philosophy.

Win probability.

Even-money default — ranks not yet on file.

The bench faceoff.

Belgium · Head coach

R. Garcia

🇫🇷

Iran · Head coach

A. Ghalenoei

Where to watch.