Rode Duivels missen Doku for Iran clash as Lukaku starts

Belgium head into their second World Cup game against Iran on Sunday without Jérémy Doku, who has been ruled out by illness. Rudi Garcia’s side will also be without Romelu Lukaku, forcing a reshuffle in attack with Charles De Ketelaere likely to lead the line. Doku, the Manchester City winger, is suffering from a respiratory infection and will miss the Group B clash at SoFi Stadium. The absence leaves Belgium with a major attacking threat missing as they bid for a first World Cup win under Garcia. Charles De Ketelaere trained with a bandage on his right knee but is expected to start. Zeno Debast remains sidelined, adding to Belgium’s defensive concerns ahead of the 21:00 kick-off. Garcia must now rely on De Ketelaere as his main attacking outlet, with Johan Boskamp suggesting Hans Vanaken should start if available. A win is essential for Belgium to keep their hopes of topping Group B alive. A draw or defeat would leave them needing a strong third result to progress, complicating their path to the knockout stages. The pressure is on Garcia to deliver against Iran. Iran, meanwhile, will be without their own attacking star. Sardar Azmoun is suspended for the match after receiving a second yellow card in the opening game. The absence of both Doku and Azmoun adds an extra layer of unpredictability to the fixture.

Netherlands thrash Sweden 5-1 at World Cup with Brobbey and Gakpo goals

Brazil secured a 3-0 victory over Haiti in their second game, moving closer to a last-16 place. Neymar remains unfit but is expected to return for the final group match against Scotland. Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the Brazilian will train individually tomorrow before rejoining the squad on Sunday. Argentina’s Lionel Messi completed a hat-trick in their 3-0 win over Algeria, but the Algerian Football Federation has filed a complaint with FIFA over the officiating. They argue Messi should have been sent off for a dangerous foul and that two Algerian players were also wrongly denied red cards. Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois has indicated his time at Genk may be ending, stating he does not see a future there beyond his current contract. The Real Madrid goalkeeper reiterated his dream of finishing his career at the Spanish club, where he currently plays.

Iran faces Belgium with tactical shift and defensive concerns

Turkey’s World Cup campaign ended in disappointment after a 0-1 defeat to Paraguay, leaving them bottom of Group F. Star player Arda Güler expressed the team’s deep regret, saying they had failed to meet expectations and offered their apologies to the Turkish people. Paraguay progressed to the last 16 after a dramatic 1-0 win over Turkey, though they played over an hour with ten men after Miguel Almirón was sent off for dissent. Coach Gustavo Alfaro criticised the application of new VAR rules, claiming Paraguay were unfairly penalised throughout the match. The United States made history by winning their second consecutive World Cup match for the first time since 1930, beating both England and Iran to top their group early. Mauricio Pochettino’s side now face a crucial third game against the Netherlands with a place in the knockout stages already secured.