Belgium take on Iran in the second of their World Cup group games, looking to build on their 1-1 draw with Egypt.
The Red Devils were fortunate to earn a point against Mohamed Salah and co. in their opening match, and Rudi Garcia will be hoping for a better performance this time around against a weaker side.
Formerly the top-ranked side in the FIFA standings, Belgium have undergone a real change in personnel from the ‘golden generation’, but some stars do remain, and others have emerged in the old guard’s places.
Jeremy Doku has taken over on the left wing from Eden Hazard, while Kevin de Bruyne now sports the captain’s armband.
Romelu Lukaku is not favoured as the first-choice centre-forward at present with Charles de Ketalaere leading the line against Egypt, although the Napoli forward was called upon just after the hour as Garcia tried to salvage all three points.
De Ketalaere missed team training earlier this week and was spotted bandaged up, but he is expected to be available to face Iran.
Thibaut Courtois is one of the old stars still kicking it between the sticks, while Thomas Meunier is another at right-back.
Otherwise, it is all change in defence, with the centre-backs Nathan Ngoy and Brandon Mechele. Timothy Castagne could keep his place at left-back, although Maxime de Cuyper of Brighton can also come into the side.
Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans give the midfield pivot a Premier League flavour, while Leandro Trossard operated off the right against Egypt to shoehorn him into the side. Expect that to happen once more here.
Predicted Belgium XI (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Meunier, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper; Onana, Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; De Ketalaere
Date and time: 8pm BST on Sunday, June 21, 2026
Venue: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
How to watch: ITV
