Belgium vs Iran FIFA World Cup match result: Iran survive Belgian pressure to secure a hard-fought 0-0 draw | Football news
Belgium dominated possession and territory on 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 quest for a first FIFA World Cup 2026 win will continue on the final day after Rudi Garcia’s side were held to a tense and often chaotic 0-0 draw by Iran in a crucial Group G clash at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.The gear came with significant pressure attached to it. Belgium opened their campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Egypt, while Iran shared the points in an entertaining 2-2 draw with New Zealand. With both nations widely seen 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 had 68 percent of possession, completed 506 passes and registered 22 shots, but could not find a way past an inspired Alireza Beiranvand. Iran, meanwhile, produced fewer opportunities, but arguably created some of the most dangerous moments of the game and left California believing they could have taken the three points.
Taremi thought he had made 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 to attack quickly emerged.Their best moment of the first half came in the 25th minute through captain Mehdi Taremi.An engineered free-kick routine by Ehsan Hajsafi caught the Belgium defense off guard and allowed Taremi to beat Thibaut Courtois. Iranian celebrations erupted as the ball found the net, but the joy was short-lived.
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, center, fails to stop a shot by Iran’s Mehdi Taremi ruled out for offside during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Belgium and Iran in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
After a VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside, preserving the deadlock but serving as a warning to a Belgium side that looked increasingly vulnerable every time Iran managed to break through the midfield.Belgium continued to dominate the ball but struggled to translate possession into clear cut opportunities. Iran’s defensive organization 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 tried to overwhelm Iran through sustained pressure. However, each discovery seemed to run into the same obstacle.Beiranvand put in a performance that will be remembered as one of the best goalie pranks of the tournament so far.
Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand (1) saves during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Belgium and Iran in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
The Iranian goalkeeper finished with seven saves and repeatedly denied Belgium from close range. His standout moment came when Maxim De Cuyper looked certain to score from the point blank range, only for Alireza Beiranvand to produce a brilliant reflex stop and keep out. He was later voted the Player of the Match for his performance.As Belgium became increasingly frustrated, the match changed dramatically in Iran’s favor midway through the half.In the 66th minute, Nathan Ngoy miscontrolled a backpass and suddenly found Taremi running clear towards the goal. The Belgian defender tried to recover, but finally dragged the Iranian captain.
Referee Dario Herrera, right, shows a red card to Belgium’s Nathan Ngoy (25), center, during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Belgium and Iran in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The referee immediately produced a straight red card, reducing Belgium to ten men for the remainder of the contest.
Belgium survived with ten men as Iran settled for a valuable point
With a numerical advantage and almost 25 minutes, Iran suddenly found themselves in a position to chase victory.Yet rather than launch 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 down a man, continued to compete aggressively for every ball.
Iran’s Shoja Khalilzadeh, top, heads the ball during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Belgium and Iran in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
The closing stages became increasingly frantic as both sides looked for a decisive moment, but could not produce the final touch needed.When the final whistle came, Belgium had finished with 22 shots compared to Iran’s seven, while the possession statistics read 68 percent to 32 percent in favor 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 these figures, however, translated into goals.
Group G remains one of the most unpredictable groups in the World Cup
The draw leaves Group G delicately poised for the last round of the match.Belgium and Iran are now sitting 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 to be played.Remarkably, every Group G match played so far has ended in a draw.Belgium opened with a 1-1 draw against Egypt. Iran followed it up with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand. Now Belgium and Iran have shared the points in a goalless stalemate.The result means that 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 successive World Cup group stage exit. 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, organization and a goalkeeping display from Beiranvand that kept one of the tournament favorites at bay for a demanding 90 minutes.With one day remaining, no nation has secured progression, no nation has been eliminated, and Group G remains one of the most balanced stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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