Belgium began their World Cup journey with a rather uninspiring performance and will be eager to show improvement as they face Iran in their second group fixture tonight.
Romelu Lukaku is pressing for a starting spot in this encounter after coming off the bench in Belgium’s 1-1 draw with Egypt in their opening group match. The striker was introduced just past the hour mark and played a key role in earning his team a point.
Although the Napoli forward did not find the back of the net, it was his immediate impact that forced an own goal from Mohamed Hany, levelling the score moments after his substitution.
Lukaku’s fitness has been under scrutiny following an injury-troubled season in Italy, and manager Rudi Garcia has so far preferred Charles De Ketelaere as his first-choice centre-forward. De Ketelaere started against Egypt but was later substituted by Lukaku.
Earlier this week, De Ketelaere was seen with a bandaged leg and missed a training session, but he is still expected to be fit enough to feature against Iran.
Jeremy Doku has taken over the left-wing duties from Eden Hazard, while Kevin De Bruyne continues to orchestrate play from midfield as Belgium’s creative force.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois remains one of the experienced campaigners in the squad, joined by veteran right-back Thomas Meunier. The central defence, however, has seen changes, with Nathan Ngoy and Brandon Mechele now forming the new pairing. Timothy Castagne is likely to retain his spot at left-back, though Brighton’s Maxime de Cuyper is another option available to Garcia.
In midfield, Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans anchor the central area, providing a strong Premier League presence. Leandro Trossard started on the right flank against Egypt as the team sought to fit him into the line-up, and a similar tactical approach is expected again.
Predicted Belgium XI (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Meunier, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper; Onana, Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; De Ketelaere
Date and Time: 8 PM BST, Sunday, June 21, 2026
Venue: Los Angeles Stadium
How to Watch: ITV
-
BBC Line-up: Commentators, Analysts and Presenter for Spain vs Saudi Arabia Match
-
Spain vs Saudi Arabia preview: European champions aim to ignite their World Cup campaign
-
Haruki Murakami has a new book coming out and fans know what to expect – for the most part
-
PM Modi announces investment plans: 3.5 lakh rupees? If you've received this message, beware!
-
South Africa Women's Bowling Shines Against India in T20 World Cup
