Belgium and Iran set for key Group G match as travel row shadows Team Melli

LOS ANGELES: Belgium will try to get their World Cup campaign moving when they meet Iran in a crucial Group G fixture at Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday, with every team in the pool level on one point after the opening round.

Belgium began with a 1-1 draw against Egypt in a match that exposed a slow start. Egypt went ahead in the first half before Romelu Lukaku, introduced from the bench, lifted Belgium’s attack and helped bring about the equaliser through an Egyptian own goal after the interval.

The Belgian side is aiming to put behind it the disappointment of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where it exited in the group stage despite being regarded as one of the leading contenders. Against Iran, Belgium is expected to play with more attacking intent, with Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois among the key figures in the side.

Iran also opened with a draw, sharing four goals with New Zealand in a 2-2 result in which its defence was repeatedly tested by Elijah Just and Chris Wood. Iran will look for attacking contributions from captain Mehdi Taremi, as well as Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi, who was on the scoresheet against New Zealand.

The stakes are significant for both teams. Either Belgium or Iran would be assured of reaching the round of 32 as group winners or runners-up if they collect at least four points from their next two matches.

Travel restrictions complaint

Iran is also contending with off-field difficulties at the tournament. Before the finals began, the team shifted its base camp from Arizona to co-host Mexico amid the US-Iran war. As a result, the squad has had to make an international journey for each of its three group-stage matches in the United States.

If Iran progresses and continues to play fixtures in the US, the same arrangement would remain in place. On Friday, Iran submitted a complaint to FIFA over the travel limits imposed on the team in the United States.

Under the restrictions, US authorities require the Iranian squad to enter the country within 24 hours of a match and depart on the same day. Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said the team had been the "most oppressed" side at the tournament.

Upcoming fixtures

The schedule in Pakistan Standard Time lists Sunday’s matches as Tunisia vs Japan at 9:00am in Group F and Spain vs Saudi Arabia at 9:00pm in Group H. Monday’s fixtures are Belgium vs Iran at 12:00 midnight in Group G, Uruguay vs Cape Verde at 3:00am in Group H, and New Zealand vs Egypt at 6:00am in Group G.