Belgium vs Iran: Player Props, Odds & Picks

Belgium and IR Iran meet in Group G of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday, 21 June at 12:00 local time at Los Angeles Stadium. Both sides opened with draws on Matchday 1, leaving the group wide open heading into this crucial clash. Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Mehdi Taremi and Ramin Rezaeian are the names to know, and the player prop markets around them are loaded with value. Belgium enter as favourites at 1.75, but Iran have already shown they can fight back from behind. Read on for the best bets, player props and our full match prediction.

Players to Watch

Kevin De Bruyne is the engine of Belgium's attack. When he picks up the ball in tight spaces, defences unravel, and his ability to thread assists or arrive late into the box makes him a threat in multiple prop markets. Alongside him, Romelu Lukaku demonstrated his impact almost immediately against Egypt, forcing an own goal just 20 seconds after coming on as a substitute. His physical presence and penalty-box instincts keep him firmly in the anytime goalscorer conversation.

For Iran, Mehdi Taremi carries the attacking burden as the focal point up front. Ramin Rezaeian was the standout performer in the 2-2 draw with New Zealand, scoring in the 32nd minute and earning the player of the match award. Mohammad Mohebbi also got on the scoresheet in that game, netting in the 64th minute. These are the men who will trouble Belgium's backline if Iran get any kind of foothold.

Belgium vs Iran Match Preview

After Matchday 1, all four teams in Group G sit on one point. Belgium drew 1-1 with Egypt, falling behind to Emam Ashour's goal before Lukaku's introduction changed the game. Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand, twice coming from behind. Neither team can be eliminated or qualify through this fixture, but both desperately need a first win of the tournament to take control of the group.

Belgium, coached by Rudi Garcia, sit ninth in the FIFA rankings and carry elite individual quality even as they embrace an underdog tag following their previous World Cup campaigns falling short. Garcia has already praised the squad's depth, and the probable XI features Thibaut Courtois in goal, with De Bruyne pulling strings and Lukaku leading the line. Iran, under Amir Ghalenoei, are organised, experienced, and tight-knit, with 70 to 80 percent of the squad having played together for years. They showed genuine resilience against New Zealand and will not simply roll over.

Player Prop Markets

The anytime goalscorer market is where this match really comes alive. Lukaku is the standout pick given his immediate impact off the bench against Egypt and his natural predatory instincts. De Bruyne, meanwhile, is the most compelling option in the assists market, given how central he is to Belgium's buildup. If Belgium dominate possession and territory as expected, De Bruyne's shots and key passes numbers should be elevated throughout.

On the Iran side, Taremi is the natural first goalscorer candidate given his role as the team's attacking focal point. Rezaeian showed he can contribute from deep, and his willingness to drive forward makes him a live option in the shots-on-target market. The cards market is also worth a look: Iran's defensive shape will be under sustained pressure, and the discipline required to hold Belgium at bay could lead to bookings, particularly in central midfield. All markets referenced are available via Dexsport at the time of writing.

Belgium vs Iran Odds

The three implied probabilities sum above 100%, reflecting the bookmaker's margin. Belgium are clear favourites at 1.75, with Iran representing the biggest price in the market at 4.80. The draw sits at 3.80. Both teams to score and over/under goals markets are also widely available given that both sides found the net in their opening fixtures.

Belgium vs Iran Predictions

Best Bet: Belgium to Win. Belgium carry the superior individual quality across the pitch and have a 57% implied probability (margin included) of taking all three points. Iran are resilient but have now conceded twice in their opening match. De Bruyne and Lukaku operating together from the start, rather than Lukaku entering from the bench, should give Belgium the edge they lacked against Egypt.

Value Bet: Both Teams to Score. Both sides scored in Matchday 1, and Iran have shown the ability to find the net even when under pressure. Belgium's defensive unit was breached by Egypt, suggesting Iran's experienced attack can threaten. BTTS carries genuine qualitative support from the research.

Longshot Bet: Ramin Rezaeian Anytime Goalscorer. At what will be a generous price given his position as a defender-turned-outlet, Rezaeian already proved he can contribute in attack by scoring against New Zealand and earning player of the match. If Iran find themselves needing to chase the game, his forward runs become a real threat.

Why This Match Matters

With all four Group G teams level on one point after Matchday 1, this game could define the group's trajectory. Belgium need a win to assert themselves as group favourites, while Iran know that another point or even three would be a remarkable statement for a side that has exited at the group stage in each of their last six World Cup appearances. The stakes are high for both dressing rooms, and the individual brilliance on display makes this one of the more compelling Group G fixtures.

Belgium Form and Iran Form

Belgium opened their World Cup 2026 campaign with a 1-1 draw against Egypt. They fell behind to Emam Ashour's goal before Lukaku came off the bench and forced an own goal just 20 seconds after his introduction. Coach Rudi Garcia highlighted the squad's depth as a key asset. The probable XI features Courtois; Meunier, Ngoy, Theate, Castagne; Onana, Tielemans, De Bruyne; Doku, Trossard; Lukaku.

IR Iran began their tournament with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand, coming from behind twice. Rezaeian scored in the 32nd minute and Mohebbi added a second in the 64th minute. Alireza Jahanbakhsh, appearing at his fourth World Cup, captured the squad's mentality perfectly, saying they will "play with smiles on our faces." Iran's probable XI: Beiranvand; Rezaeian, Nemati, Khalilzadeh, Mohammadi; Mohebi, Ezatolahi, Ghoddos, Yousefi; Alipour, Taremi.

Best Bets and Markets Worth Watching

Belgium to win the match is the headline selection, supported by their individual quality and the implied probability of 57% at odds of 1.75. Both teams to score is the standout value market given both sides netted on Matchday 1. In the player prop space, Lukaku as anytime goalscorer and De Bruyne in the assists market are the most compelling options. For those looking at a longer price, Rezaeian as anytime scorer at 4.80 or better represents genuine interest given his Matchday 1 performance.

If you want to explore these markets ahead of kick-off, Dexsport has the full range of FIFA World Cup 2026 betting markets available, including player props, match winner and goals markets for this fixture.

Betting Tips

• Belgium to Win (1.75): The Red Devils hold the strongest individual quality in this fixture and the market reflects that with a 57% implied probability (margin included).
• Both Teams to Score: Both Belgium and Iran scored in their opening Matchday 1 fixtures, and Iran's attacking resilience makes a shutout unlikely for either side.
• Romelu Lukaku Anytime Goalscorer: Lukaku scored within 20 seconds of coming on against Egypt. If he starts from the beginning against Iran, he has even more time to make his mark.
• Ramin Rezaeian Anytime Goalscorer (Longshot): The player of the match against New Zealand scored once and showed genuine attacking intent. Worth a small stake at a big price.
• Iran Midfield Card: Iran's disciplined defensive shape will face sustained pressure from De Bruyne and Doku. Central midfield bookings are a market worth monitoring.

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FAQ

Which star players are worth watching?

Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku are Belgium's marquee names. De Bruyne orchestrates the attack and carries a constant threat in the assists market, while Lukaku's physical presence and goal instinct make him dangerous from any position. For Iran, Mehdi Taremi leads the attack and Ramin Rezaeian was the standout performer in Matchday 1, scoring and earning player of the match against New Zealand.

Who is most likely to get on the scoresheet?

Lukaku is the most compelling anytime goalscorer given his immediate impact against Egypt and his role as Belgium's main striker. Taremi carries the same responsibility for Iran and should be considered for those looking at the away side. Rezaeian is the longshot option with proven scoring ability already in this tournament.

What are the standout player-prop bets?

Lukaku as anytime goalscorer and De Bruyne in the assists market are the two most attractive player props for Belgium. For Iran, Taremi as anytime scorer and Rezaeian as a longshot goalscorer are the props built around the research. All are available on Dexsport ahead of the Sunday kick-off.

Is there value in the shots or cards markets?

The cards market carries genuine interest. Iran's defensive shape will be under sustained pressure from Belgium's attack, and disciplined but stretched midfielders are prime candidates for bookings. The shots market favours De Bruyne and Doku given Belgium's expected dominance of possession and territory, though exact prices should be checked at time of betting.