Prediction vs Result
1.0/10Result went the other way.
The AI report
Reality diverged from the script. The model leaned towards Belgium (3–0), but it ended level 0–0 — 1.0/10 on the night.
On chances, the model penciled in 3 goals and the game delivered 0 — 3 fewer than projected.
Cards ran 4Y/0R on the model's read against 2Y/1R in reality — the referee reached for his pocket more often than the model foresaw.
Full comparison
| Metric | AI Predicted | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| Scoreline | 3–0 | 0–0 |
| Result | Belgium win | Draw |
| Total goals | 3 | 0 |
| Scorers | Romelu Lukaku, Jérémy Doku, Romelu Lukaku | None |
| Yellow cards | 4 | 2 |
| Red cards | 0 | 1 |
| Possessionmodel only | 63%–37% | — |
| Shotsmodel only | 18–5 | — |
| Expected goals (xG)model only | 2.7–0.4 | — |
Score, scorers and cards are official; possession, shots and xG are the model’s projections (no official real counterpart).
Match Prediction
How the Model Sees It Unfold
- 18’
- 34’
- 47’
- 54’
- 61’
- 74’
- 78’
Match Info
- Tournament
- FIFA World Cup 2026
- Stage
- Group Stage
- Date
- 21 Jun 2026
- Kick-off
- 19:00 (local)
- Stadium
- SoFi Stadium
- City
- Inglewood
Pressing & Heat Zones
Belgium dominated the final third, with heavy activity down both flanks and central overloads through the lines.
Iran sat deep in their own half, concentrating activity in a narrow defensive mid-block with limited counter-attacking forays.
4-3-34-5-1
Belgium subs
Iran subs
Belgium delivered a polished, professional Group G opener at SoFi Stadium, with Kevin De Bruyne pulling every string from a deep-lying playmaker role and Romelu Lukaku leading the line with authority. Iran set up in a disciplined 4-5-1 low block, looking to frustrate the Red Devils and hit on the counter through Taremi, but Belgium's suffocating press and relentless width made life impossible. De Bruyne's perfectly weighted through-ball split the Iranian centre-backs in the 18th minute, and Lukaku's composed finish gave Beiranvand no chance. Doku was electric on the left flank throughout, and his darting run and low finish after a second De Bruyne assist on 54 minutes effectively killed the contest. The penalty on 78 minutes — won by Doku after Khalilzadeh's clumsy challenge — was converted emphatically by Lukaku for his second of the night. Iran's only real moment of danger came via a Taremi header on 67 minutes that Courtois palmed over with ease. Belgium look ominous in Group G.
- De Bruyne registered two assists, dictating tempo from deep with 91% pass accuracy and 4 key passes.
- Lukaku's brace (1 open play, 1 penalty) takes him to 73 international goals — Belgium's all-time record extended.
- Iran managed just 1 shot on target all match; Courtois was barely tested.
- Doku completed 7/8 dribbles, the most of any player on the pitch, terrorising Khalilzadeh all evening.
- Belgium's high press won 9 ball recoveries in Iran's half in the first 45 minutes.
- Iran's defensive block held firm until the 18th minute but was systematically dismantled by Belgium's width.
Match Report
FULL TIME — Belgium 3–0 Iran | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
Under the California sun, Belgium's golden generation — or what remains of it — announced themselves at the 2026 World Cup with a commanding Group G victory over a resolute but outclassed Iran side.
First Half — Belgium Unlock the Block Carlos Queiroz set Iran up in a familiar 4-5-1 defensive shell, Taremi isolated up front as the lone outlet. For 17 minutes it held. Then Kevin De Bruyne, dropping into the half-space between Iran's midfield and defence, threaded a laser-guided through-ball between Khalilzadeh and Kanaanizadegan. Romelu Lukaku, timing his run to perfection, took one touch and slotted low past Beiranvand's near post. 1–0, 18'.
Iran tried to respond but their counter-attacks were snuffed out by Belgium's aggressive press, with Onana and Tielemans winning ball after ball in midfield. Khalilzadeh picked up a yellow card on 34' for a cynical foul on Doku, a sign of the frustration already building in the Iranian ranks.
Second Half — Doku Delivers, Lukaku Doubles Up Belgium emerged from the break with even greater intent. A brief moment of controversy on 47' saw Onana booked for a late challenge, but it barely interrupted Belgium's rhythm. On 54', Doku received De Bruyne's incisive pass on the left channel, cut inside onto his right foot and arrowed a low drive into the far corner. 2–0. Beiranvand got a hand to it but couldn't keep it out.
Iran's best moment came on 67' — Taremi climbed highest from a Jahanbakhsh cross, but Courtois, barely tested all night, produced a sharp palm over the bar to maintain his clean sheet. Ezatolahi was booked on 61' for persistent fouling, and Cheshmi followed on 74'.
The third arrived on 78' when Doku's electrifying burst into the box drew a clumsy trip from Khalilzadeh. Lukaku stepped up, sent Beiranvand the wrong way, and wheeled away in celebration. 3–0. His 73rd international goal. The record, extended.
Belgium cruise into the next matchday with maximum points and a goal difference that sends a message to the rest of Group G.