After the opening round of the 2026 World Cup group stage, three of the twelve groups saw both matches end in draws. Group G was one of them, with Belgium drawing 1-1 against Egypt and Iran sharing the spoils in a 2-2 draw with New Zealand.
In the second round of group matches, Belgium face Iran in a contest that could significantly shape qualification prospects. The winner would take a major step toward securing a place in the knockout stage. This will also be the first-ever meeting between the two nations, with Belgium entering the match as clear favorites.
Belgium struggled to break down Egypt in their opening fixture. The European side conceded midway through the first half and only managed to equalize through an own goal. Their attacking performance improved considerably during the final 30 minutes after Romelu Lukaku came off the bench. Belgium’s clearest chances, three shots on target, and their only goal all arrived after his introduction.
Against Egypt, Belgium won just two corner kicks—far below their average of more than 8.8 corners per match across the previous ten games.
Iran, meanwhile, have lost only once in their last eight matches. However, they are not a team known for generating large numbers of corners. Over their last five matches, Iran have failed to win more than four corners in any game.
Considering Belgium’s usual dominance in the corner market and Iran’s limited attacking corner production, the Europeans are expected to control the corner count comfortably in this matchup.
Full-Match Corner Pick
- Belgium to win the corner handicap.
- Over total corners.
First-Half Corner Analysis
A total of 69 first-half corners have been recorded across Belgium’s last ten matches. Belgium covered the first-half Asian corner handicap in seven of those games.
By contrast, Iran have lost the first-half corner differential in five of their last six matches. During that stretch, the Asian side averaged only 1.3 first-half corners per game.
Belgium are expected to take the initiative from the opening whistle, while Iran are likely to sit deep and defend. This tactical setup should create sustained pressure and a significant corner advantage for Belgium during the first half.
First-Half Corner Pick
- Belgium to win the first-half corner handicap.
- Over first-half corners.
Team News
Belgium
Romelu Lukaku came off the bench in the second half against Egypt, but it remains unclear whether he will start against Iran. Meanwhile, defender Zeno Debast is still struggling with a thigh injury and is expected to miss the match.
Iran
Midfielders Roozbeh Cheshmi (muscle injury) and Saman Ghoddos (ankle issue) may begin on the bench.
Veteran right-back Ramin Rezaeian, who became the oldest player (36) to both score and assist in a World Cup match against New Zealand, is expected to retain his place in the starting lineup.
Predicted Lineups
Belgium
Courtois; Meunier, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper; Onana, Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; De Ketelaere.
Iran
Beiranvand; Rezaeian, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Mohammadi; Mohebi, Ezatolahi, Ghoddos, Ghayedi; Taremi, Moghanlou.
Recommended Corner Bets
Full Match
- Belgium to win the corner handicap.
- Over total corners.
First Half
- Belgium to win the first-half corner handicap.
- Over first-half corners.