Belgium’s hopes of securing their first victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup were frustrated as they were held to a goalless draw by a resilient Iran side in Group G at Los Angeles Stadium.
Despite dominating possession and registering 23 shots, the Red Devils failed to find a way past goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand, whose outstanding performance earned Iran a valuable point and kept their knockout-stage ambitions alive.
Beiranvand proved the difference throughout the contest, producing a series of crucial saves to deny Belgium.
The Iranian captain first thwarted Youri Tielemans with a sharp stop in the opening half before making one of the saves of the tournament early in the second period, stretching across goal to keep out Maxim De Cuyper’s low effort after a dangerous Belgian attack.
Iran thought they had taken the lead midway through the first half when Mehdi Taremi finished off a cleverly worked free-kick routine.
However, celebrations were cut short following a lengthy VAR review, which ruled the goal out for offside.
Belgium continued to control large spells of the game but struggled to convert their dominance into clear-cut scoring opportunities.
The match swung further in Iran’s favour in the 66th minute when Belgium defender Nathan Ngoy was shown a straight red card for bringing down Taremi as the striker raced through on goal.
The dismissal made the 23-year-old the youngest player to be sent off at a World Cup since 2014 and left Belgium facing the final stages with ten men.
Iran nearly capitalised on their numerical advantage as Taremi forced Thibaut Courtois into an important save.
The Belgian goalkeeper, making his record-breaking 17th World Cup appearance for his country, kept his side level, but Belgium were unable to mount a decisive response despite continued pressure in the closing minutes.
The draw leaves both teams on two points in Group G and increases the pressure on Belgium heading into their final group match.
Having drawn their opening two games, the 2018 World Cup semi-finalists now face the possibility of a group-stage exit.
While Iran can take confidence from becoming the first Iranian team to avoid defeat in its opening two World Cup matches and moving a step closer to a historic first appearance in the knockout rounds.
