Belgium dominated possession and territory throughout a tense evening in Los Angeles, but a disallowed Mehdi Taremi goal, a goalkeeping masterclass from Alireza Beiranvand and a costly red card for Nathan Ngoy ensured Iran emerged with a valuable point in a dramatic 0-0 draw at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Belgium’s search for a first victory of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will continue into the final matchday after Rudi Garcia’s side were held to a tense and often chaotic 0-0 draw by Iran in a crucial Group G encounter at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.The fixture arrived with significant pressure attached to it. Belgium had opened their campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Egypt, while Iran had shared the points in an entertaining 2-2 draw with New Zealand. With both nations widely viewed as contenders to progress from the group, defeat would have complicated qualification hopes considerably.What followed was a match that Belgium largely controlled without ever fully mastering. The Red Devils enjoyed 68 per cent possession, completed 506 passes and registered 22 shots, yet they could not find a way past an inspired Alireza Beiranvand. Iran, meanwhile, produced fewer opportunities but arguably created some of the game’s most dangerous moments and left California believing they could have taken all three points.
Taremi thought he had delivered the breakthrough before VAR intervened
Iran’s willingness to sit compact and frustrate Belgium was evident from the opening stages, but they remained dangerous whenever opportunities emerged to attack quickly.Their best first-half moment arrived in the 25th minute through captain Mehdi Taremi.A cleverly worked free-kick routine engineered by Ehsan Hajsafi caught Belgium’s defence off guard and allowed Taremi to beat Thibaut Courtois. Iranian celebrations erupted as the ball found the net, but the joy proved short-lived.After a VAR review, the goal was overturned for offside, preserving the deadlock but serving as a warning to a Belgian side that had looked increasingly vulnerable whenever Iran managed to break through midfield.Belgium continued to dominate the ball but struggled to translate possession into clear-cut chances. Iran’s defensive organisation repeatedly forced them into crowded areas, while Beiranvand remained alert whenever called upon.
Beiranvand produces one of the goalkeeping performances of the tournament
The second half developed into a siege on the Iranian penalty area.Belgium pushed higher, committed more players forward and attempted to overwhelm Iran through sustained pressure. However, every breakthrough seemed to run into the same obstacle.Beiranvand delivered a performance that will be remembered among the finest goalkeeping displays of the tournament so far.The Iranian goalkeeper finished with seven saves and repeatedly denied Belgium from close range. His standout moment arrived when Maxim De Cuyper appeared destined to score from point-blank range, only for Beiranvand to react brilliantly and block the effort.As Belgium grew increasingly frustrated, the match swung dramatically in Iran’s favour midway through the half.In the 66th minute, Nathan Ngoy miscontrolled a backpass and suddenly found Taremi racing clear toward goal. The Belgian defender attempted to recover but ultimately dragged down the Iranian captain.The referee immediately produced a straight red card, reducing Belgium to ten men for the remainder of the contest.
Belgium survive with ten men as Iran settle for a valuable point
With a numerical advantage and almost 25 minutes remaining, Iran suddenly found themselves in a position to chase victory.Yet rather than launching an all-out assault, they maintained the discipline that had defined their performance throughout the evening. Their defensive structure remained intact, while Belgium, despite being a man down, continued to compete aggressively for every ball.The closing stages became increasingly frantic as both sides searched for a decisive moment, but neither could produce the final touch required.When the final whistle arrived, Belgium had finished with 22 shots compared to Iran’s seven, while the possession statistics read 68 per cent to 32 per cent in favour of the Europeans. Belgium also recorded seven shots on target to Iran’s three and completed more than three times as many passes.None of those figures, however, translated into goals.
Group G remains one of the most unpredictable groups at the World Cup
The draw leaves Group G delicately poised heading into the final round of fixtures.Belgium and Iran now sit on two points after recording two draws from their opening two matches. Egypt and New Zealand, meanwhile, remain on one point each with their second-round meeting still to be played.Remarkably, every Group G match played so far has ended level.Belgium opened with a 1-1 draw against Egypt. Iran followed with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand. Now Belgium and Iran have shared the points in a goalless stalemate.The result means the group remains completely open.Belgium will face New Zealand knowing that anything less than victory could leave them facing the prospect of a second consecutive group-stage exit at the World Cup. Iran, meanwhile, remain firmly in contention and will take on Egypt with their qualification hopes entirely in their own hands.For Belgium, the evening will be remembered as one of frustration and missed opportunities. For Iran, it was a performance built on resilience, organisation and a goalkeeping display from Beiranvand that kept one of the tournament favourites at bay for 90 demanding minutes.With one matchday remaining, neither nation has secured progression, neither nation has been eliminated, and Group G remains one of the most tightly balanced stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
