Belgium and Iran meet at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET in a Group G match that will help determine the shape of one of the more unpredictable groups at the 2026 World Cup. Both sides drew their opening matches, leaving all four teams in Group G level and the path to the knockout stage completely open for any of them.

Belgium drew 1-1 with Egypt in their opener and will be keen to take the full three points here. The Belgians carry a squad with Champions League pedigree and have underperformed at recent major tournaments relative to that quality. Coach Domenico Tedesco has spoken publicly about the importance of winning second group matches and avoiding the kind of points deficits that derailed earlier Belgian campaigns.

Iran enter the match in a setting that was impossible to imagine just a few weeks ago. Under the terms of the US-Iran memorandum of understanding that ended active hostilities between the two countries, the Iranian national team is permitted to compete in the United States but must leave the host country within hours of each match. Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their opener, a result that showed both their attacking quality and defensive fragility.

The political dimension of Iran competing on US soil gives this fixture a significance beyond three points in a group stage. Iranian players have said publicly that they are focused on football and grateful for the chance to play in the tournament. Their supporters have been among the most visible in the stadiums through the early stages.

A win for either side here creates real separation in Group G, which has four teams still capable of finishing in any position. Belgium are slight favorites given their squad depth and tournament experience.

The full Group G standings and remaining fixtures are available on the official FIFA World Cup site. Iran’s unique situation at this tournament, competing with travel restrictions unlike any other participating nation, adds a layer to Sunday’s contest that goes well beyond the scoreline.