Belgium’s campaign kicked off with a tense opener against Iran, and manager Roberto Martinez kept faith in striker Romelu Lukaku. Despite a lingering knock, the Dutch‑born forward was handed the starting berth, sparking debate among fans. The decision underscored the coach’s reliance on experience as teams vow to secure progress.

The match itself unfolded at the King Saud Stadium, where Belgium pushed early but Iran held firm. Lukaku’s limited minutes saw him press the ball forward, yet he failed to find the net. The game ended 1-0 to the visitors, leaving Belgium scrambling for a point in their group standings.

With the Nations League group now locked, Belgium’s loss places them at the bottom of the table, while Iran climbs to second. The result forces Martinez to rethink his attack strategy for upcoming fixtures, especially against tougher opponents like France and Spain in the group ranking ahead of England.

The decision to start a less fit Lukaku signals a shift toward aggressive play, but the cost is clear. Belgium must now recover quickly to avoid relegation from the group, while Iran capitalises on momentum. Fans and pundits alike will watch the next clash for proof of intent in the.