Match story
- Belgium created the clearer chances on xG (1.79 vs 0.62, Δ 1.17).
- Belgium fired more attempts (23 vs 7 shots).
- Iran was more accurate in front of goal (43% on target vs 30%).
- Belgium held more of the ball (70% possession).
Belgium and Iran drew 0-0 in the World Cup. The fixture is part of the Group Stage - 2 stage in the 2026 season. The match was played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Dario Herrera, Argentina officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Belgium vs Iran meeting in World Cup with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Belgium and Iran. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
World CupRecorded meetings: 0 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Belgium and Iran drew 0-0 in the World Cup. The fixture is part of the Group Stage - 2 stage in the 2026 season. The match was played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Dario Herrera, Argentina officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Belgium vs Iran meeting in World Cup with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Belgium and Iran. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
World Cup
Can Unai Emery continue to work wonders at Aston Villa? The Spaniard has taken Villa to new heights in his three and a half years in charge, culminating in May's Europa League triumph. Ezri Konsa, Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez could all potentially follow Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne out of the door.
Baleba is closing in on a move to Old Trafford (Picture: Getty Images Europe) Roy Keane is not convinced Manchester United’s summer rebuild is enough to transform them into Premier League title challengers. With Casemiro leaving the club and Manuel Ugarte sidelined with a long-term knee injury, United’s recruitment this summer has focused on central midfield. Andrey Santos was brought in from Chelsea for £48million with Youri Tielemans following from Aston Villa after his £35m release clause was activated. Carlos Baleba is now in their sights with United thought to be close to agreeing a £65m move for the Brighton star who they initially tried to sign a year ago. Exclusive Premier League previews Get ahead of the start of the season with our weekly football newsletter. Sign up now for free. With Kobbie Mainoo showing his quality once again under Michael Carrick last season, United now have real variation and depth in the middle of the park should Baleba complete his move. United spent close to £200million on Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko in rebuilding their attack last summer, with that investment showing plenty of promise last season. Keane however believes United’s defence needs rebuilding before talk of a title challenge can be taken seriously, also questioning whether their signings in midfield are good enough to take them to the top. Keane is not sold on the midfield rebuild (Picture: Visionhaus/Getty Images) Asked if Baleba’s arrival leaves United with a ‘good midfield’, Keane told Stick to Football: ‘I think that’s a good way of putting it, a good midfield. ‘But if you’re on about winning the league, I think it’s short. United’s big problems are still going to be defensively. That midfield and going forward, there is a big goal threat at United, they were very good last year with it, especially when Carrick took over they were a real goal threat. ‘But the issue is at the back, the full-backs and the two centre-halves are still a big issue. But on paper, they [the midfield] jump out as really good players. But is there a league-winning midfield there? Probably not. No, I don’t see it.’ Tielemans joined United for £35m (Picture: Getty) Tielemans arrived at Old Trafford for £35m, a relatively modest fee for a player who was a key player under Unai Emery at Villa. While commending United for ending a recent trend of splashing out on big transfer fees and wages, he described the Belgium international as a ‘safety bet’ for the club this summer. I think he’s a good player. But I don’t think it [the signing] wins the league,’ Keane said. ‘Tielemans is a safety bet for United. Over the last few years, Casemiro is a good example, players have come in huge money, big wages. Tielemans knows the Premier League, is a good international, having gone to Old Trafford with Vila and had success he will be fine with the expectation. But will he get United to the very top? No.’ Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Manchester United could face another major obstacle in their pursuit of Manu Koné, with Manchester City now identifying the Roma midfielder as a potential late-window signing. Koné has been on United’s shortlist for several weeks as Michael Carrick searches for another dynamic midfielder despite already adding Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. Want more CaughtOffside coverage? […] The post Man United to face increasing competition from Man City for 25-year-old Frenchman appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Manchester United's midfield reconstruction is nearing completion. After signing Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa in the space of 24 hours of each other last month, there has been an element of 'will-they, won't-they' about the past five weeks. Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni was heavily touted, so too Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Roma's Manu Kone.
His recovery comes at a crucial point for both Pulisic and Milan, with new head coach Ruben Amorim preparing for the opening weeks of the Serie A campaign and hoping to get one of his most talented attackers back to full fitness. Christian Pulisic is edging closer to his return for Milan, but the American winger’s comeback is being handled with caution after a difficult summer. His recovery comes at a crucial point for both Pulisic and Milan, with new head coach Ruben Amorim preparing for the opening weeks of the Serie A campaign and hoping to get one of his most talented attackers back to full fitness. The American has been sidelined since the United States’ World Cup exit against Belgium in July. The 27-year-old suffered a bone bruise and microfracture around his lower leg after colliding with Youri Tielemans while attempting to strike the ball, bringing a frustrating end to a tournament in which he had already battled another injury. The latest development has provided Milan with a major boost, as Pulisic returned to partial team training at Milanello. He completed part of the session, including speed and agility exercises, marking his first significant involvement with the squad since the World Cup injury. The American had missed Milan’s entire preseason while recovering, leaving him behind the rest of Amorim’s squad in terms of match fitness. Although Pulisic is understood to have recovered physically, the Rossoneri are taking a measured approach rather than rushing him back into competitive action. View this post on Instagram That cautious approach means the winger is reportedly expected to miss Milan’s Serie A opener against Torino. The club’s medical and coaching staff believe he still needs time to rebuild his fitness after more than six weeks away from regular soccer. When could Pulisic return? The current plan points toward a later return, with Pulisic potentially being included for Milan’s first home league match against Venezia on August 28, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports. The possibility of appearing from the bench would represent a significant step forward after a summer dominated by injuries and disappointment. The timing would also give Pulisic several additional days to work on his conditioning and integrate into Amorim’s tactical plans. Rather than forcing him into the season opener, Milan appear prepared to wait until the American is sufficiently prepared to contribute. Pulisic’s latest injury came after he had already struggled with a calf problem during the World Cup. He aggravated that issue against Paraguay, missed the following match against Australia and later returned against Turkiye before starting the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States reacts Pulisic has plenty to prove after difficult months The injury setback followed a frustrating period for Pulisic at club and international level. He endured a 19-game scoring drought for Milan, while his World Cup campaign ended with no goals after he had hoped to make a major impact on home soil. Pulisic admitted his disappointment following the United States’ elimination, writing on Instagram: “Tough to find the words. I want to start by saying thank you to everyone who believed. The support carried us all the way through.” The winger also acknowledged that the United States had fallen short of expectations, adding that he had wanted to deliver more for the national team. His focus now shifts back to San Siro, where he will have an opportunity to rebuild his momentum under a new manager.
Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Carlos Baleba compares to Manchester United's other two midfield summer signings following news of the Brighton & Hove Albion star's imminent move to Old Trafford.
Bid short of Brighton’s valuation for midfielderReijnders leaves Manchester City for Saudi ArabiaManchester United are confident of signing Brighton’s Carlos Baleba for less than £75m, and the 22-year-old midfielder has agreed personal terms. United have made an initial offer of £60m plus £5m add-ons for Baleba, which is below Brighton’s valuation.Baleba has been a target for United since last summer, when Brighton valued him at about £100m. The Cameroon international’s price has dropped after his largely uneven performances last season. Baleba, who has an ankle injury, would be United’s third midfielder recruit of the summer, after Youri Tielemans, who was signed for £35m from Aston Villa, and Andrey Santos, who arrived for £48 from Chelsea. Continue reading...
Bruno Fernandes and Youri Tielemans will be key to Michael Carrick’s chances of success over a full season and of healing the rift between club and fansGuardian writers’ predicted position: 5th (NB: this is not necessarily Jamie Jackson’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips)Last season’s position: 3rd Continue reading...
Baleba is currently recovering from an ankle ligament injury (Picture: Getty Images Europe) Manchester United are closing in on a deal to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton but an injury will delay his start to life at Old Trafford if the deal goes through. United initially made a move for the Cameroon international last summer but shelved their interest due to Brighton’s huge asking price – thought to be in excess of £100million. He has remained on the club’s radar during their midfield rebuild this summer and has now agreed terms over a five-year deal to take him to Manchester. As a result of his form dipping last season, Brighton’s asking price has dropped considerably with United’s latest offer worth around £60m plus £5m in add-ons. Exclusive Premier League previews Get ahead of the start of the season with our weekly football newsletter. Sign up now for free. Should the deal go through, he will become United’s third midfield signing of the summer alongside Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. But an injury suffered in pre-season could see him ruled out until the end of September. Baleba returned for pre-season training in July but picked up an ankle ligament injury that ruled him out of a friendly match against Strasbourg. He subsequently missed the Seagulls’ games against Roma and Bologna. Baleba played against United on the final day of last season (Picture: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) It was reported last month that the injury left him a major doubt for the start of the new Premier League season which gets underway this weekend. Brighton were however hopeful the problem was not a long-term one. How long is Carlos Baleba out injured for? The Daily Mail report Baleba is expected to return to fitness towards the end of September. That timeline could delay any possible United debut until October given the three-week international break which begins on Monday 21 September, ending on Tuesday 6 October. Should that timeline be accurate, Baleba would be set to miss United’s opening five games of the new Premier League season against Hull City, Ipswich Town, Everton, Manchester City and Fulham. He would also miss United’s first match back in the Champions League which will take place on 8, 9, or 10 September. Baleba would also sit out of United’s Carabao Cup third round tie against an opponent to be determined. Baleba could therefore be in line to make his debut at home to Tottenham on 10 October. Games Baleba could miss for Man Utd Hull City (A) – 22 AugustIpswich Town (H) – 30 AugustEverton (A) – 6 SeptemberChampions League matchday one – date TBCMan City (H) – 13 SeptemberCarabao Cup third round tie – date TBCFulham (A) – 20 September Why Baleba’s form dipped last season Baleba enjoyed a superb 2024-25 campaign at the AMEX but following United’s interest in his services last summer, his form noticably dipped last term, starting just 23 of their 38 league matches. Speaking last season, Brighton head coach, Fabian Hurzeler, admitted that United’s failed move to sign Baleba had an impact on the midfielder’s performances. ‘For sure, when a young boy reads there is interest from Manchester United with a big, big offer, it might affect him deep, deep [down],’ Hurzeler said. ‘That’s also part of the development to understand that when you play well, there comes a big offer, there comes a big club who wants to have him. ‘But then to keep pushing, to be humble, stay here in Brighton, and try to make the next step with the team and that’s something we have to keep on working with him and therefore I can’t give you a clear answer if it’s really affected him or not. ‘But for sure, he’s a young boy and we need to understand he’s not a machine that if you click on then he always runs and off then he stops. We need to understand his feelings, his emotions, where he comes from, and that’s our responsibility.’ Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.
Can Unai Emery continue to work wonders at Aston Villa? The Spaniard has taken Villa to new heights in his three and a half years in charge, culminating in May's Europa League triumph. Ezri Konsa, Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez could all potentially follow Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne out of the door.
Baleba is closing in on a move to Old Trafford (Picture: Getty Images Europe) Roy Keane is not convinced Manchester United’s summer rebuild is enough to transform them into Premier League title challengers. With Casemiro leaving the club and Manuel Ugarte sidelined with a long-term knee injury, United’s recruitment this summer has focused on central midfield. Andrey Santos was brought in from Chelsea for £48million with Youri Tielemans following from Aston Villa after his £35m release clause was activated. Carlos Baleba is now in their sights with United thought to be close to agreeing a £65m move for the Brighton star who they initially tried to sign a year ago. Exclusive Premier League previews Get ahead of the start of the season with our weekly football newsletter. Sign up now for free. With Kobbie Mainoo showing his quality once again under Michael Carrick last season, United now have real variation and depth in the middle of the park should Baleba complete his move. United spent close to £200million on Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko in rebuilding their attack last summer, with that investment showing plenty of promise last season. Keane however believes United’s defence needs rebuilding before talk of a title challenge can be taken seriously, also questioning whether their signings in midfield are good enough to take them to the top. Keane is not sold on the midfield rebuild (Picture: Visionhaus/Getty Images) Asked if Baleba’s arrival leaves United with a ‘good midfield’, Keane told Stick to Football: ‘I think that’s a good way of putting it, a good midfield. ‘But if you’re on about winning the league, I think it’s short. United’s big problems are still going to be defensively. That midfield and going forward, there is a big goal threat at United, they were very good last year with it, especially when Carrick took over they were a real goal threat. ‘But the issue is at the back, the full-backs and the two centre-halves are still a big issue. But on paper, they [the midfield] jump out as really good players. But is there a league-winning midfield there? Probably not. No, I don’t see it.’ Tielemans joined United for £35m (Picture: Getty) Tielemans arrived at Old Trafford for £35m, a relatively modest fee for a player who was a key player under Unai Emery at Villa. While commending United for ending a recent trend of splashing out on big transfer fees and wages, he described the Belgium international as a ‘safety bet’ for the club this summer. I think he’s a good player. But I don’t think it [the signing] wins the league,’ Keane said. ‘Tielemans is a safety bet for United. Over the last few years, Casemiro is a good example, players have come in huge money, big wages. Tielemans knows the Premier League, is a good international, having gone to Old Trafford with Vila and had success he will be fine with the expectation. But will he get United to the very top? No.’ Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Manchester United could face another major obstacle in their pursuit of Manu Koné, with Manchester City now identifying the Roma midfielder as a potential late-window signing. Koné has been on United’s shortlist for several weeks as Michael Carrick searches for another dynamic midfielder despite already adding Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. Want more CaughtOffside coverage? […] The post Man United to face increasing competition from Man City for 25-year-old Frenchman appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Manchester United's midfield reconstruction is nearing completion. After signing Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa in the space of 24 hours of each other last month, there has been an element of 'will-they, won't-they' about the past five weeks. Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni was heavily touted, so too Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Roma's Manu Kone.
His recovery comes at a crucial point for both Pulisic and Milan, with new head coach Ruben Amorim preparing for the opening weeks of the Serie A campaign and hoping to get one of his most talented attackers back to full fitness. Christian Pulisic is edging closer to his return for Milan, but the American winger’s comeback is being handled with caution after a difficult summer. His recovery comes at a crucial point for both Pulisic and Milan, with new head coach Ruben Amorim preparing for the opening weeks of the Serie A campaign and hoping to get one of his most talented attackers back to full fitness. The American has been sidelined since the United States’ World Cup exit against Belgium in July. The 27-year-old suffered a bone bruise and microfracture around his lower leg after colliding with Youri Tielemans while attempting to strike the ball, bringing a frustrating end to a tournament in which he had already battled another injury. The latest development has provided Milan with a major boost, as Pulisic returned to partial team training at Milanello. He completed part of the session, including speed and agility exercises, marking his first significant involvement with the squad since the World Cup injury. The American had missed Milan’s entire preseason while recovering, leaving him behind the rest of Amorim’s squad in terms of match fitness. Although Pulisic is understood to have recovered physically, the Rossoneri are taking a measured approach rather than rushing him back into competitive action. View this post on Instagram That cautious approach means the winger is reportedly expected to miss Milan’s Serie A opener against Torino. The club’s medical and coaching staff believe he still needs time to rebuild his fitness after more than six weeks away from regular soccer. When could Pulisic return? The current plan points toward a later return, with Pulisic potentially being included for Milan’s first home league match against Venezia on August 28, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports. The possibility of appearing from the bench would represent a significant step forward after a summer dominated by injuries and disappointment. The timing would also give Pulisic several additional days to work on his conditioning and integrate into Amorim’s tactical plans. Rather than forcing him into the season opener, Milan appear prepared to wait until the American is sufficiently prepared to contribute. Pulisic’s latest injury came after he had already struggled with a calf problem during the World Cup. He aggravated that issue against Paraguay, missed the following match against Australia and later returned against Turkiye before starting the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States reacts Pulisic has plenty to prove after difficult months The injury setback followed a frustrating period for Pulisic at club and international level. He endured a 19-game scoring drought for Milan, while his World Cup campaign ended with no goals after he had hoped to make a major impact on home soil. Pulisic admitted his disappointment following the United States’ elimination, writing on Instagram: “Tough to find the words. I want to start by saying thank you to everyone who believed. The support carried us all the way through.” The winger also acknowledged that the United States had fallen short of expectations, adding that he had wanted to deliver more for the national team. His focus now shifts back to San Siro, where he will have an opportunity to rebuild his momentum under a new manager.
Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Carlos Baleba compares to Manchester United's other two midfield summer signings following news of the Brighton & Hove Albion star's imminent move to Old Trafford.
Bid short of Brighton’s valuation for midfielderReijnders leaves Manchester City for Saudi ArabiaManchester United are confident of signing Brighton’s Carlos Baleba for less than £75m, and the 22-year-old midfielder has agreed personal terms. United have made an initial offer of £60m plus £5m add-ons for Baleba, which is below Brighton’s valuation.Baleba has been a target for United since last summer, when Brighton valued him at about £100m. The Cameroon international’s price has dropped after his largely uneven performances last season. Baleba, who has an ankle injury, would be United’s third midfielder recruit of the summer, after Youri Tielemans, who was signed for £35m from Aston Villa, and Andrey Santos, who arrived for £48 from Chelsea. Continue reading...
Bruno Fernandes and Youri Tielemans will be key to Michael Carrick’s chances of success over a full season and of healing the rift between club and fansGuardian writers’ predicted position: 5th (NB: this is not necessarily Jamie Jackson’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips)Last season’s position: 3rd Continue reading...
Baleba is currently recovering from an ankle ligament injury (Picture: Getty Images Europe) Manchester United are closing in on a deal to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton but an injury will delay his start to life at Old Trafford if the deal goes through. United initially made a move for the Cameroon international last summer but shelved their interest due to Brighton’s huge asking price – thought to be in excess of £100million. He has remained on the club’s radar during their midfield rebuild this summer and has now agreed terms over a five-year deal to take him to Manchester. As a result of his form dipping last season, Brighton’s asking price has dropped considerably with United’s latest offer worth around £60m plus £5m in add-ons. Exclusive Premier League previews Get ahead of the start of the season with our weekly football newsletter. Sign up now for free. Should the deal go through, he will become United’s third midfield signing of the summer alongside Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. But an injury suffered in pre-season could see him ruled out until the end of September. Baleba returned for pre-season training in July but picked up an ankle ligament injury that ruled him out of a friendly match against Strasbourg. He subsequently missed the Seagulls’ games against Roma and Bologna. Baleba played against United on the final day of last season (Picture: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) It was reported last month that the injury left him a major doubt for the start of the new Premier League season which gets underway this weekend. Brighton were however hopeful the problem was not a long-term one. How long is Carlos Baleba out injured for? The Daily Mail report Baleba is expected to return to fitness towards the end of September. That timeline could delay any possible United debut until October given the three-week international break which begins on Monday 21 September, ending on Tuesday 6 October. Should that timeline be accurate, Baleba would be set to miss United’s opening five games of the new Premier League season against Hull City, Ipswich Town, Everton, Manchester City and Fulham. He would also miss United’s first match back in the Champions League which will take place on 8, 9, or 10 September. Baleba would also sit out of United’s Carabao Cup third round tie against an opponent to be determined. Baleba could therefore be in line to make his debut at home to Tottenham on 10 October. Games Baleba could miss for Man Utd Hull City (A) – 22 AugustIpswich Town (H) – 30 AugustEverton (A) – 6 SeptemberChampions League matchday one – date TBCMan City (H) – 13 SeptemberCarabao Cup third round tie – date TBCFulham (A) – 20 September Why Baleba’s form dipped last season Baleba enjoyed a superb 2024-25 campaign at the AMEX but following United’s interest in his services last summer, his form noticably dipped last term, starting just 23 of their 38 league matches. Speaking last season, Brighton head coach, Fabian Hurzeler, admitted that United’s failed move to sign Baleba had an impact on the midfielder’s performances. ‘For sure, when a young boy reads there is interest from Manchester United with a big, big offer, it might affect him deep, deep [down],’ Hurzeler said. ‘That’s also part of the development to understand that when you play well, there comes a big offer, there comes a big club who wants to have him. ‘But then to keep pushing, to be humble, stay here in Brighton, and try to make the next step with the team and that’s something we have to keep on working with him and therefore I can’t give you a clear answer if it’s really affected him or not. ‘But for sure, he’s a young boy and we need to understand he’s not a machine that if you click on then he always runs and off then he stops. We need to understand his feelings, his emotions, where he comes from, and that’s our responsibility.’ Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.
