STAR WORLD CUP PREVIEW Sun: Belgium v Iran

History will be made in the Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday when Belgium and Iran meet for the very first time, writes WILLIAM KEDJANYI.

Despite going off heavy favourites, Belgium needed to come from behind to take a point against Egypt in their Group G opener and punters face a similar dilemma here because the Red Devils are once again a short price to win the game in 90 minutes at 4/9.

So, can they be trusted to get the job done? They have now failed to win any of their last three World Cup fixtures and another disappointment would leave them on the brink of repeating their group stage exit from four years ago.

Iran showed that they are nothing if not resilient in their 2-2 draw with New Zealand, coming from behind twice, and they actually beat New Zealand 17-14 on the shot count despite having slightly less possession.

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Belgium v Iran
FIFA World Cup Group G
20:00 ITV1 HD / ITV X / STV

LAST FIVE STATS

HEAD-TO-HEAD

First meeting between teams

BELGIUM
JUN 2026 WORLD CUP Belgium 1-1 Egypt
JUN 2026 FRIENDLY Belgium 5-0 Tunisia
JUN 2026 FRIENDLY Croatia 0-2 Belgium
APR 2026 FRIENDLY Mexico 1-1 Belgium
MAR 2026 FRIENDLY USA 2-5 Belgium

IRAN
JUN 2026 WORLD CUP Iran 2-2 New Zealand
JUN 2026 FRIENDLY Brazil 2-1 Egypt
MAY 2026 FRIENDLY Egypt 1-0 Russia
MAR 2026 FRIENDLY Spain 0-0 Egypt
MAR 2026 FRIENDLY Saudi Arabia 0-4 Egypt

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Iran have never progressed beyond the group stage in seven World Cup appearances, and they have won only one of their last ten World Cup fixtures against European sides (D2, L7).

However, their performance against New Zealand suggested they are capable of causing problems for any side in this group, and Belgium will need to be on their mettle if they are to justify shortish odds.

There is no doubt that Belgium have the attacking talent to win this game but there was a notable lack of cohesiveness in their offensive play last week and that is a worry against a well-organised Iran side.

Betting both teams to score at Evens will be tempting for many but, in what could be a closer game than the odds imply, it might be worth siding with Iran in the Asian Handicap market.

Backing Iran +0.75 with starsports.bet means that we would collect if Iran win or draw and we have the safety net of a half-stake return if they lose by a single goal.

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