Predicted Score: Belgium 1-0 or 2-1 Iran

Core reasoning basis:

· Repetition of historical trajectory: Referencing the 2022 World Cup, where Belgium narrowly won 1-0, and Iran had a goal disallowed by VAR. When the two teams meet in the World Cup main tournament, the margin of goals is usually difficult to widen.
· Clear style clash: Iran’s tough defense and physical challenges, compared with Belgium’s technical play, have a strong disruptive effect. In this World Cup qualification campaign, Iran’s defense is still solid in the Asian region, and they are good at disrupting opponents’ rhythm.
· Belgium’s generational transition growing pains: By 2026, Belgium’s golden generation will have been fully overhauled, and their attacking ability may rely more on the overall team rather than individual flashes of brilliance than it did in 2022. Against Iran’s “park the bus,” a prolonged siege with no breakthrough is highly likely.
· Decisive factor: Iran’s counterattack pace and set pieces are the biggest threats, and they have the ability to blast open Belgium’s goal. However, Belgium’s overall strength still has the advantage; they are likely to control the situation and decide the match through key players’ moments of brilliance.

Most likely score: A hard-fought battle—Belgium edges it 1-0, and the process won’t be easy.