"In the previous game there were individual errors regarding the defence," he said. "We were playing too many passes.

"We have been commuting so much and, as a result of that, we have been tired. We're trying to address the problems we had in the previous game.

"We're trying to motivate the players more and we have carried out greater analysis. We will make changes and the Belgium team is a very strong and highly respected team and it's undoubtedly going to be a tough game."

The Iranians are taking on a Belgian side that also drew their first game of the competition when they were held by Egypt in Seattle.

A Mohamed Hany own goal earned a point for a side coached by Roberto Martinez and which features top class talent such as Kevin de Bruyne, Jeremy Doku and Youri Tielemans.

"Belgium are a very respectable and excellent team and in the rankings it has been among the top five," said Ghalenoei.

"But football for us starts when the referee blows his whistle, then it's very important that our players follow the commands we give them in advance. We have high quality players who can play wholehearted at a high level tomorrow."

The Iran squad is among the oldest at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and contains 16 players aged 30 or older, the most of the 48 nations involved in the tournament.

But 29-year-old midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi believes the teams blend of young and old heads will be good enough to step up to the challenge set by the Belgians.

"I think our team is made up of very experienced players as well as young players and we have tried our very best, especially in the last few days, bearing in mind the analysis that our technical staff has carried out," he said.

"We know what a major team we are facing but we have good players with great potential and they have shown that potential. They are no amateurs, so be sure that we will do our utmost to bring pride to our nation."

Photos: AFP