Belgium Opens at -250 Against Iran as Eimer Backs Over 2.5 Goals

Q: With key stars injured, is heavily-favored Belgium walking into a World Cup trap against a determined Iran?

Yes — Belgium is favored, but this has the profile of a dangerous match rather than a routine win. Belgium’s edge on paper is clear, reflected in the -250 money line and the likely larger role for Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne. But the idea that Belgium is fully comfortable is overstated. Jeremy Doku is out with illness, Thibaut Courtois is unavailable with a thigh injury, and Lukaku is still being managed after past hamstring issues, with coach Rudi Garcia indicating he may not be used for much more than 60 minutes. Belgium also looked uneven in the 1-1 draw with Egypt, where their attack lacked fluency and their defensive structure raised questions. Iran, meanwhile, has shown enough to make this a real test. Their 2-2 draw with New Zealand was open and aggressive, producing 31 shots and highlighting the threat of Mehdi Taremi and Iran’s pressing game. That supports Jon Eimer’s lean toward over 2.5 goals and suggests Belgium may not be able to control the tempo comfortably. The wider context also points to a highly motivated Iranian side. Despite difficult tournament preparation and logistical disruption, Iran remains alive in a group where every team is level on one point and zero goal difference. That makes this match especially tense: a Belgian win would restore order, but another slip would put real pressure on the favorite. Belgium should still be expected to win, but with absences, fitness limits, and Iran’s attacking intent, the upset risk is credible.

3 articles · Updated · SportsLine · Jun 21

Belgium entered Sunday’s World Cup match against Iran as a -250 favorite at FanDuel, with Iran at +650 and the draw at +370 for the Group G clash in Los Angeles.
Jon Eimer’s featured pick is Over 2.5 goals, citing Iran’s 2-2 opener against New Zealand and its aggressive high press led by Mehdi Taremi.
Group G remains completely level after the opening round: Belgium drew Egypt 1-1, leaving all four teams on 1 point with a 0 goal differential.
Belgium will be without Jeremy Doku because of illness, while Romelu Lukaku carries the shortest anytime-goalscorer odds at +110 ahead of the nations’ first meeting.