Belgium vs Iran Lineups, Starting 11, Bench & Formation
Belgium vs Iran Latest Match Update
Belgium vs Iran is set for Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 12:00 PM PT, 3:00 PM ET, 19:00 UTC and 12:00 AM PKT at Los Angeles Stadium, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood. FIFA lists the fixture as Match 39 in Group G, with Darío Herrera assigned as referee.
Belgium drew 1-1 with Egypt, while Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand. As a result, all four Group G teams remain level on one point before the second round of fixtures.
Jeremy Doku is out through illness, while Romelu Lukaku is pushing for a larger role after helping Belgium rescue a point against Egypt. Iran also enter with a travel-preparation storyline before a midday local kickoff in Los Angeles.
(Los Angeles)
Belgium vs Iran lineups are yet to be confirmed for Group G Match 39 at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Belgium national football team and Iran national football team meet on June 21, 2026, at Los Angeles Stadium, with kickoff at 15:00 ET. This projected lineup tracker covers the starting XI, formations, bench options, managers, and late matchday updates. This Belgium national football team vs Iran national football team lineups tracker stays projected until official match sheets arrive.
Belgium have named Rudi Garcia’s 26-player World Cup squad, with Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku, Youri Tielemans, Jeremy Doku, Leandro Trossard, Amadou Onana, and Axel Witsel among the key names. Iran have named Amir Ghalenoei’s preliminary 30-player group, with Mehdi Taremi, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Saeid Ezatolahi, Saman Ghoddos, Alireza Beiranvand, and Mohammad Mohebi shaping the main selection picture while Sardar Azmoun sits outside the current group. Official matchday lineups remain projected until both teams release their sheets.
Match Details
| Match | Group G, Match 39 |
| Kickoff | 21 JUN 2026 at 15:00 ET |
| Venue | Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles |
| Lineup Status | Projected, official match sheets yet to be confirmed |
| Belgium Rank | FIFA #9 |
| Iran Rank | FIFA #20 |
| Managers | Rudi Garcia and Amir Ghalenoei |
| Squad Status | Belgium have named 26 players, while Iran have named a preliminary 30-player group. |
Official Belgium vs Iran lineups will arrive close to kickoff. The match details use FIFA schedule information, current squad announcements, ranking notes, and manager selection patterns. FWCTimes will update the card once official team sheets confirm starters and substitutes.
Belgium are projected in a 4-2-3-1, while Iran are projected in a 4-2-3-1. The matchup should be shaped by midfield control, the first pass after turnovers, and how each coach protects space behind the full-backs.
Team News and Lineup Preview
The Belgium national football team vs Iran national football team lineups preview focuses on squad status, tactical shape, and late team news before kickoff.
Belgium Squad Status
Belgium’s squad still runs through De Bruyne’s chance creation and Courtois’ control behind the defence. Garcia has enough wide speed through Doku and Trossard to attack Iran’s full-backs, while Onana and Tielemans can protect the middle. Lukaku’s workload remains an important selection watch point because Belgium can start De Ketelaere centrally and use Lukaku later.
The projected Belgium XI keeps the strongest available spine on the pitch. Garcia can still adjust one midfield role and one wide role if late training reports push him toward a safer balance. Official confirmation remains yet to be confirmed.
Iran Squad Status
Iran’s group leans on experience through Beiranvand, Ezatolahi, Jahanbakhsh, Ghoddos, Mohebi, and Taremi. Ghalenoei’s biggest attacking call is how to replace Azmoun’s usual presence around the striker line. Taremi should carry the central reference role, while Iran can use wide runners to attack the space behind Belgium’s full-backs.
Iran need a disciplined first hour before the bench becomes important. Ghalenoei can change the tempo through wide substitutions or a more direct striker profile. The final call will depend on matchday fitness and the opponent’s press.
What Could Change Before Kickoff
Belgium can change the striker profile before kickoff. Garcia may start De Ketelaere if he wants pressing and movement, or use Lukaku if the medical and workload picture improves. Witsel and Raskin also give Belgium different midfield-control options if Iran make the match physical.
Iran can still trim the preliminary list and adjust the support around Taremi. Ghoddos can play deeper if Ghalenoei wants more passing control, while Ghayedi and Mohebi can give Iran more speed on transition. The final back-four choice should depend on Belgium’s wide setup.
Belgium vs Iran Lineups Status
The official Belgium vs Iran lineups are not confirmed yet. The projected card uses squad announcements, current player roles, manager patterns, and tactical fit. Confirmed XIs will replace the projected view once both teams publish match sheets.
Belgium start with the higher ranking and deeper tournament profile. Iran still have a clear route if they defend compactly and use transitions well. The first 20 minutes should show which side controls the rhythm.
Belgium Starting XI
The Belgium national team starting XI is yet to be confirmed. Garcia’s projected 4-2-3-1 starts with Thibaut Courtois in goal and a back line led by Zeno Debast. The midfield setup gives Belgium a platform to control possession and protect counters.
Kevin De Bruyne is the key reference in the projected XI. He gives Belgium leadership, timing, and a direct route into the penalty area. The wide players must stretch the pitch so the central attackers can receive in cleaner spaces.
Iran Starting XI
The Iran national team starting XI is also yet to be confirmed. Ghalenoei’s projected 4-2-3-1 starts with Alireza Beiranvand in goal and a defensive unit built around Shoja Khalilzadeh. The midfield must protect central zones before the front line can break forward.
Mehdi Taremi is the key player for Iran. He can change field position through carrying, passing, or final-third movement. Belgium need to stop his first action after turnovers.
Formation Analysis
The projected tactical picture is Belgium’s 4-2-3-1 against Iran’s 4-2-3-1. Belgium should try to control central territory and move the ball before the defensive block settles. Iran should defend narrow and break into the channels when the ball turns over.
The key zone sits between the double-pivot area and the attacking midfield line. If Belgium win that space, they can create repeated entries around the box. If Iran disrupt it, the underdog can turn the match into a counterattacking contest.
Key Players in the Starting Lineup
The projected Belgium vs Iran lineups revolve around Kevin De Bruyne and Mehdi Taremi. Kevin De Bruyne gives Belgium their clearest match-winning route. Mehdi Taremi gives Iran the best outlet when pressure builds.
Belgium Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne can decide the match through movement, timing, and control of key moments. He needs early service from midfield to pull defenders out of shape. Iran must stop him receiving cleanly around the box.
Iran Mehdi Taremi
Mehdi Taremi gives Iran their best chance to turn defensive work into attacks. He can hold the ball, carry into space, or connect with runners. Belgium need to close him down before he faces forward.
Notable Absences
Belgium’s confirmed matchday absences are yet to be confirmed. Lukaku’s minutes and match sharpness remain a major selection watch point before the Iran fixture.
Iran’s confirmed matchday absences are yet to be confirmed. FIFA’s squad update listed Sardar Azmoun outside the preliminary group, so he is not treated as a projected option.
Bench Strength Comparison
Belgium’s projected bench gives Garcia several ways to change the match. The substitute group covers goalkeeper, defence, midfield, and attack, so the coach can protect a lead or add speed. That flexibility matters if the opponent stays compact deep into the second half.
Iran’s projected bench has useful profiles but less overall depth. Ghalenoei can add fresh legs in wide areas or change the striker role if the match opens. The bench battle should become important after the hour mark.
Head Coaches Tactical Approach
Garcia should ask Belgium to control territory, protect rest defence, and move the ball before the press arrives. The projected lineup supports that plan because it balances possession quality with final-third threat. Late changes can add more direct speed if the match stays level.
Ghalenoei should keep Iran compact and use the first forward pass after regains. The underdog route depends on patience, set pieces, and clean counterattacking decisions. A loose first half would make the match much harder to manage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Belgium’s lineup vs Iran?
Belgium’s official lineup is yet to be confirmed. The projected XI uses Garcia’s 26-player squad and a likely 4-2-3-1 shape.
What is Iran’s lineup vs Belgium?
Iran’s official lineup is yet to be confirmed. The projected XI follows Ghalenoei’s preliminary group and a compact 4-2-3-1 setup.
What formation will Belgium use against Iran?
Belgium are projected in a 4-2-3-1 formation. De Bruyne starts behind De Ketelaere, with Doku and Trossard wide.
Who is Iran’s key player vs Belgium?
Mehdi Taremi is Iran’s key player because he gives Ghalenoei the clearest central route without Azmoun in the current group.
When will official Belgium vs Iran lineups be announced?
Official Belgium vs Iran lineups are expected around one hour before kickoff. FWCTimes will update the tracker once match sheets arrive.
Belgium vs Iran lineups remain projected until both official match sheets arrive. FWCTimes will refresh the lineup card, bench list, formation view, manager notes, and schema once confirmed team news is available. Check back near kickoff for the final starting elevens and substitutes.
Read also: Belgium vs Iran Live Score
