Belgium vs Iran FIFA World Cup match result. Iran withstand Belgian pressure to earn hard-fought 0-0 draw Football News:
Belgium dominated possession and territory on a tense night 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 vital point in a dramatic 0-0 draw at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Belgium’s quest for a first win at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will continue until the final matchday after Rudi Garcia’s team 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 fixture came with significant pressure attached to it. Belgium opened their campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Egypt, while Iran shared the points with an entertaining 2-2 draw with New Zealand. With both countries widely seen as contenders to advance from the group, the defeat would complicate qualification hopes.What followed was a game that Belgium largely controlled but never fully mastered. The Red Devils enjoyed 68 percent possession, completed 506 passes and registered 22 shots, but could not find a way past an inspired Alireza Beiranvand. Iran, on the other hand, created fewer opportunities but may have created some of the most dangerous moments of the game and left California believing they could take all three points.
Taremi thought he had scored 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 there were opportunities to attack quickly.Their best moment of the first half came in the 25th minute through captain Mehdi Taremi.A cleverly worked free-kick routine engineered by Ehsan Hajsafi stymied the Belgium defense and allowed Taremi to beat Thibaut Courtois. Iranian celebrations erupted as the ball found the net, but the joy proved short-lived.
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, center, fails to stop a shot by Iran’s Mehdi Taremi that is disallowed 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 overturned for offside, preserving the deadlock but serving as a warning to a Belgian side that looked weaker every time Iran managed to penetrate the midfield.Belgium continued to dominate the ball but struggled to translate possession into clear chances. Iran’s defensive organization repeatedly forced them into crowded areas, while Beiranvand remained alert whenever called upon.
Beiranvand produced one of the goalkeeping performances of the tournament
The second half turned into an attack on Iran’s penalty area.Belgium pushed higher, committed more players up front and tried to overwhelm Iran with continuous pressure. However, each explosion seems to run into the same obstacle.Beiranvand delivered a performance that will be remembered for the best goaltending performances of the tournament so far.
Iran’s goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand (1) makes a save 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 point-blank range, only for Alireza Beiranvand to produce a brilliant reflex stop and keep it out. He was later named Superior Player of the Match for his performance.As Belgium grew increasingly frustrated, the game swung in Iran’s favor midway through the half.In the 66th minute, Nathan Ngoy failed to control a backpass and suddenly found Taremi racing towards the goal. The Belgian defender tried to recover but ended up dragging the Iranian captain.
Referee Dario Herrera, right, shows a red card to Nathan Ngoy (25), center of Belgium, 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 then issued a straight red card, reducing Belgium to ten men for the rest of the competition.
Belgium survived with ten men while Iran settled for a valuable point
With a numerical advantage and almost 25 minutes left, Iran suddenly found themselves in a position to chase victory.However, instead of launching an all-out attack, they maintained the discipline that defined their performance throughout the night. Their defensive structure remained intact, while Belgium, despite being down a man, continued to aggressively compete 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 tense as both sides searched for a decisive moment, but could not produce the final touch needed.When the final whistle came, Belgium had completed 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 those numbers, however, translated into goals.
Group G remains one of the most unpredictable groups in the World Cup
The draw leaves Group G precariously 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 encounter 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 share the points in a goalless stalemate.The result means that the group remains completely open.Belgium will take on New Zealand knowing that anything less than victory could leave them facing the prospect of a second consecutive group-stage exit from the World Cup. Iran, meanwhile, remain firmly in contention and will face Egypt with their qualification hopes in their own hands.For Belgium, the night will be remembered as one of disappointment and missed opportunities. For Iran, it was a performance built on tenacity, organization and a goalkeeping display from Beiranvand that kept one of the tournament’s favorites at bay for 90 minutes.With one match day left, no country is assured of progress, no country has been eliminated, and Group G remains one of the most tightly balanced stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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