Belgium know there is no room for error after being held by Egypt in their opener and that is probably bad news for Iran.The Red Devils were well below their best for large spells in that game and still managed to find a way back into it. Rudi Garcia has already made it clear that only a win will do here and I can see a reaction and then some.Iran deserve credit for battling back twice against New Zealand, but they looked vulnerable defensively and now face a Belgium side with far more quality all over the pitch. For me, this is a great opportunity for the Belgians to get their campaign up and running in style.Here are my three tips for the game:Belgium -1 Handicap – 6/5 with bet365Romelu Lukaku to score anytime – 11/10 with Sky BetCorrect score 3-0 Belgium – 9/1 with SpreadexBelgium vs Iran head-to-head overviewDate: Sunday 21 June 2026Kick-off: 2am BSTVenue: SoFi Stadium, Los AngelesWhere to watch: ITV1 / ITVXReferee: TBCPrevious meetings: This is the first ever meeting between Belgium and Iran.Favourite to win: Belgium (around 4/9)Belgium vs Iran predicted lineupsRudi Garcia is expected to recall Romelu Lukaku to the starting XI after his positive impact from the bench against Egypt. Iran are unlikely to make major changes after their draw with New Zealand.Belgium (4-3-3): Courtois; Castagne, Faes, Debast, Theate; Onana, Tielemans, De Bruyne; Doku, Lukaku, BakayokoIran (4-2-3-1): Beiranvand; Rezaeian, Khalilzadeh, Kanaani, Moharrami; Nourollahi, Ezatolahi; Mohebi, Jahanbakhsh, Gholizadeh; TaremiBelgium vs Iran predictionsI expected more from Belgium against Egypt if I’m being honest.They looked a bit flat in the first half and needed Lukaku’s introduction to swing momentum and ultimately change the game. The good news is they still created enough chances and with Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings and Jeremy Doku stretching teams, they’re always capable of turning it on quickly.Garcia’s comments after the game tell you everything you need to know. Belgium know they have to win this match and I think we’ll see a much more aggressive performance.Iran showed plenty of character to come from behind twice against New Zealand, but I’d be worried about them defensively after that performance. New Zealand created chances throughout and Belgium possess a completely different level of attacking quality.Mehdi Taremi remains a threat and Iran will fancy their chances of getting bodies behind the ball and frustrating Belgium for spells, but I think they’ll spend most of this game under pressure.The more I look at it, the more I keep coming back to Belgium winning comfortably. They were disappointing on matchday one, which usually makes them even more dangerous next time out.Iran have done well to put all the off-field distractions to one side, but this feels like a step too far. I’m expecting Belgium to dominate and I’m calling it 3-0.Belgium vs Iran betting tipsHere are my three bets for the game.Belgium to turn the screwThe straight Belgium win doesn’t do much for me at the prices. I’d rather back them to win with a bit to spare. They have too much quality in the final third and if they score first, I can see Iran struggling to contain them for 90 minutes. Bet on Belgium -1 Handicap at 6/5 with bet365 Lukaku to make his markThe game changed when Lukaku came off the bench against Egypt. He immediately gave Belgium a focal point and caused problems with his physicality.Garcia has already spoken about his importance and if he gets the nod from the start here, I’d fancy him to get on the scoresheet. Bet on Romelu Lukaku to score anytime at 11/10 with Sky Bet A comfortable night for the Red DevilsIran deserve respect for the way they’ve handled a difficult build-up to the tournament, but I just don’t see them living with Belgium if the favourites click into gear.The Red Devils need a statement result and this looks like the perfect opportunity to get one. Bet on the correct score 3-0 Belgium at 9/1 with Spreadex Belgium vs Iran latest oddsFind the latest Belgium vs Iran betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.World Cup 2026 predictionsI’ve got plenty more predictions covering World Cup 2026 and there are tips and previews for every game.Find more predictions and betting tips from our expert punters in our match preview overview.Important historical facts about Belgium and Iran for bettingBelgium drew 1-1 with Egypt in their opening Group G match and now need a win to take control of their qualification hopes.Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand after coming from behind twice.This is the first ever meeting between Belgium and Iran.Romelu Lukaku came off the bench against Egypt and played a key role in Belgium’s equaliser.Iran have never progressed beyond the group stage of a World Cup.Belgium were widely tipped to win Group G before the tournament started and remain favourites to qualify.World Cup 2026: More from talkSPORTWorld Cup 2026 Betting offersWorld Cup 2026 Betting tips and predictionsWorld Cup 2026 AI predictionsWorld Cup 2026 Betting guideWorld Cup 2026 Top goalscorer oddsEngland to win World Cup 2026 oddsWorld Cup 2026: Best young player oddsAbout the authorDave PotterDave Potter is the founder of GYTO and has a huge following on X. 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