No Doku: Belgium's XI vs Iran is confirmed

The starting XIs have been confirmed for Belgium and Iran in their second 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G match. Both managers' choices are now clear ahead of the game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, where Belgium aim to take a giant step towards the knockouts.

After a 1-1 draw with Egypt in their opener, Belgium's Rudi Garcia kept faith in his experienced side. Thibaut Courtois is in goal, with Meunier, Mechele, De Cuyper and Ngoy in defence. Captain Tielemans and Raskin sit in midfield; up front, Kevin De Bruyne, Leandro Trossard and Saelemaekers line up behind striker Romelu Lukaku. Belgium have two notable absentees: Zeno Debast, with a leg injury, and star winger Jérémy Doku, left out due to illness. Charles De Ketelaere and Lille's Matias Fernandez-Pardo start on the bench.

For Iran, manager Amir Ghalenoei opted for a more cautious approach than the 2-2 draw with New Zealand, switching to a back five. Beiranvand is in goal, with Hardani, Kanaani, Khalilzadeh, Nemati and captain Hajsafi in front of him. Rezaeian, Ghoddos, Ezatolahi and Mohebi operate in midfield, with Olympiacos' Mehdi Taremi as the lone striker. Team Melli are expected to set up a compact, disciplined defensive block against an opponent stronger on paper.

Both teams are targeting three points here. For Belgium, a win would all but secure a last-32 berth, while Iran are out to topple the Europeans and significantly strengthen their qualifying hopes.

Starting XIs
Belgium (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Meunier, Mechele, De Cuyper, Ngoy; Tielemans, Raskin; Saelemaekers, De Bruyne, Trossard; Lukaku
Iran (5-4-1): Beiranvand; Hardani, Kanaani, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Hajsafi; Rezaeian, Ghoddos, Ezatolahi, Mohebi; Taremi

Image: Sofascore