Scheduled
Belgium
:
Iran

Live score, descriptive in-match stats, and a post-match calibration recap appear here once the match kicks off.

Match-outcome probability

  • Belgium win
    50.8%
  • Draw
    25.4%
  • Iran win
    23.8%

Analysis

The model gives Belgium a moderate advantage at 50.8% versus 23.8% for Iran (draw 25.4%). A 107-point Elo gap gives Belgium a measurable advantage, though the gap is narrow enough that a single result could close it. A Group G fixture with advance probabilities of 97.2% for Belgium and 83.2% for Iran.

Tactical matchup

Belgium (balanced) meet Iran (transition heavy) — contrasting tactical identities that should shape the contest. Belgium typically dominate possession (54%) compared to Iran's 33% — the ball-control asymmetry could define this match. Belgium press significantly higher (PPDA 23.1) — their ability to force turnovers in advanced positions will be a key tactical dynamic.

Key battlegrounds

Iran will look to stay compact and strike on the transition — defensive discipline is non-negotiable. The individual battle features Kevin De Bruyne (P(scores) 8.0%) against Mehdi Taremi (3.4%) — their impact could prove decisive. Iran play a more direct game while Belgium build more patiently — the tempo battle will shape whether this is an end-to-end contest or a methodical arm-wrestle.

Situational factors

No major situational asymmetries — both sides enter on a broadly level playing field outside the tactical matchup.

Match storyline

For Axel Witsel, this may be among the final World Cup fixtures — experience and composure on the biggest stage.

Key numbers

50.8% / 25.4% / 23.8%H / D / ACalibrated ensemble probability
+107Elo differentialBelgium 1867 vs Iran 1760
1.62 – 0.83Expected goals (H – A)Dixon-Coles per-team rates
1-0 (13.4%)Modal scorelineMost likely exact full-time result
45.8%Both teams scoreP(both sides find the net)
8.0%P(goal) — Kevin De BruyneHighest anytime-scorer probability in fixture

Latest news & match context

Team news

No recent headlines for Belgium or Iran.

Match conditions
Stage:
Group G · Matchday 2

Belgium's squad faces some significant availability questions, while their opponents are at full strength. Unlock the full breakdown with a Pass.

La calibración post-partido es gratuita. Cuando este partido termine, el resumen de pronóstico frente a resultado (probabilidad previa frente al resultado real, Brier score, log loss y xG final frente a predicho) se publicará en la página de resumen, abierta para todos.

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That's the headline. The full forecast goes deeper.

The same Dixon-Coles fit behind the probabilities above also produces the breakdowns below — for this match and all 104.

Scoreline distribution

Half-time / full-time

Four models compared

Most likely scorers

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See exactly how Belgium v Iran plays out

The most likely scorelines, half-time and full-time paths, all four models side by side, the timing of the first goal, and which players are most likely to score — for this match and every one of the 104.

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Cómo funciona la probabilidad en vivo. El pronóstico previo publicado se congela en el cierre de alineaciones (T-1h) y no cambia tras el inicio; el repaso posterior evalúa ese número congelado frente al resultado. La probabilidad de victoria en vivo que se muestra durante el juego es el mismo modelo, releído según el marcador y el tiempo restante. Se actualiza más o menos una vez por minuto, siempre con retraso, y es una cifra descriptiva de investigación, no un producto de juego ni un precio de ningún tipo. Consulta /docs/methodology/ para el marco completo.