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US Hosts Belgium-Iran Friendly Amid Lukaku Injury, Visa Woes

6/20/2026

30 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The United States will host the Belgium vs Iran friendly on Sunday, June 21 at 3:00 p.m. ET at SoFi Stadium.
Because Romelu Lukaku is injured, Belgium coach Rudi Garcia must select a striker and will start Thibaut Courtois and Kevin De Bruyne.
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei called his squad ‘most oppressed’ after relocation to Tijuana and visa problems, and expects Ramin Rezaeian, Alireza Beiranvand and Mehdi Taremi to trouble Belgium.

History

Historical Context

In the 1998 FIFA World Cup, the United States faced Iran in a Group F match, where Iran defeated the United States, eliminating the Americans before the final round. That encounter set a precedent for later fixtures, and the upcoming Belgium-Iran friendly at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium revives the same logistical and diplomatic challenges.

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Story summary

The United States will host the Belgium vs Iran friendly on Sunday, June 21 at 3:00 p.m. ET at SoFi Stadium.
Because Romelu Lukaku is injured, Belgium coach Rudi Garcia must select a striker and will start Thibaut Courtois and Kevin De Bruyne.
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei called his squad ‘most oppressed’ after relocation to Tijuana and visa problems, and expects Ramin Rezaeian, Alireza Beiranvand and Mehdi Taremi to trouble Belgium.

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