Belgium meet Iran in pivotal clash amid travel row

Belgium will look to kick-start their World Cup campaign against Iran in a pivotal Group G clash at Los Angeles Stadium today, with all four teams deadlocked on one point apiece.

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The Red Devils were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Egypt in their opener after a sluggish performance.

Belgium fell behind in the first half before the country’s all-time leading scorer Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to inject urgency into the attack and help force an equaliser through an Egyptian own goal after the break.

Belgium are seeking to banish the memory of their 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they were eliminated in the group stage despite arriving as one of the tournament favourites.

They are expected to take a more aggressive approach against Iran, led by veteran midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, exciting winger Jeremy Doku and towering goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Iran, meanwhile, will need to tighten up defensively after being held to a 2-2 draw by New Zealand, when Elijah Just and Chris Wood repeatedly troubled the Iranian back line.