Belgium versus Iran
- Kick-off:
- Stadium: SoFi Stadium · Los Angeles, United States
Belgium
Belgium arrive at their 14th tournament with the so-called golden generation now thinned but the squad still full of top-level talent. Domenico Tedesco, the German-Italian coach who took charge in 2023, has rebuilt around Kevin De Bruyne — likely his last major tournament — flanked by Jérémy Doku (Manchester City), Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta) and Romelu Lukaku, the all-time top scorer. The Euro 2024 round-of-16 exit to France was disappointing, and the defensive transition since Vincent Kompany's retirement remains unfinished. Group G with Egypt, Iran and New Zealand is favourable; first place is the floor. The window for a deep run with this core is closing — quarter-final or better is the brief.
Iran
Iran return for a fourth consecutive tournament — the longest streak in their history — with the squad finally maturing into a knockout-capable side. Amir Ghalenoei, retained through 2026, runs a deep, organised 4-3-3 anchored by Sardar Azmoun (Shabab Al-Ahli) and Mehdi Taremi (Inter Milan), the most prolific Iranian striker pair in modern memory. Alireza Jahanbakhsh provides veteran experience on the wing; Saeid Ezatolahi and Saman Ghoddos screen midfield. Team Melli have never advanced past the group stage in 15 prior attempts, but the 2022 squad came within seconds of doing so against the United States. Group G with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand is the most winnable draw they have ever received — second place is a genuine target.
SoFi Stadium
SoFi Stadium hosts eight matches in 2026, including a quarter-final, anchoring the tournament's presence on the United States' Pacific coast. Located in Inglewood, Los Angeles County, the venue opened in 2020 at a cost exceeding $5 billion — the most expensive sports facility ever built. Capacity for football is approximately 70,240, expandable to 100,000 for special events. The fixed-roof translucent canopy keeps the playing surface shielded from sun and rain while allowing natural light. The pitch was converted from artificial turf to a temporary natural-grass system specifically for the tournament. Climate: dry, warm Mediterranean summer with predictable conditions and minimal rain — among the most reliable weather in the host country. SoFi's status as home to the Rams and Chargers gives it built-in operational expertise for major events.