Belgium dominated possession throughout the night in Los Angeles, but a disallowed goal from Mehdi Taremi, a brace from Alireza Beiranvand and a costly red card from Nathan Ngoy ensured that Iran came away with a vital point in a 0-0 draw at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Belgium’s quest for a first win at the 2026 FIFA World Cup continued into the final day as Rudi Garcia’s side were held to a hard-fought and often chaotic draw by Iran in a crucial Group G match at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.The painting arrived with a lot of pressure attached to it. Belgium opened their campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Egypt, while Iran shared the points in a thrilling 2-2 draw with New Zealand. Since both countries were considered to be candidates for the group, defeat would have led to negative expectations.What followed was a match in which Belgium dominated and did not perform well. The Red Devils had 68 percent, completed 506 moves and registered 22 shots, but still could not find a way past the inspired Alireza Beiranvand. Iran, meanwhile, created few chances but created arguably the most dangerous moments of the game and left California believing they would have taken all three points.
Taremi thought he had done well before VAR intervened
Iran’s willingness to settle down and frustrate Belgium was evident from their opening moments, but they were a threat whenever an opportunity arose to attack quickly.Their best moment of the first half came in the 25th minute through captain Mehdi Taremi.A clever free kick by Ehsan Hajsafi caught the Belgian defense and allowed Taremi to beat Thibaut Courtois. Iranian celebrations began when the ball found the net, but the joy was short-lived.
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, center, fails to stop Iran’s Mehdi Taremi from being ruled 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, a late save but a warning to a Belgian team that looked dangerous every time Iran crossed the middle.Belgium continued to dominate possession but struggled to convert into clear chances. Iran’s defense repeatedly forced them into crowded areas, while Beiranvand was alert when called upon.
Beiranvand makes one of the best performances in the game
The second half began with a siege of the Iranian penalty area.Belgium rose to the occasion, provided more players and tried to overcome Iran’s constant pressure. However, every success seemed to be met with the same problem.Beiranvand put on a performance that will be remembered among the best performances of the game to date.
Iran 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 midfielder finished with seven saves and repeatedly denied Belgium from close range. His stoppage time came when Maxim De Cuyper looked to score from point blank range, but Alireza Beiranvand made a brilliant save to keep it out. He was later voted Superior Player of the Match for his performance.As Belgium became more frustrated, the game changed dramatically in Iran’s favor midway through the half.In the 66th minute, Nathan Ngoy got lost at the back and suddenly found Taremi running towards the goal. The Belgian defender tried to recover but pulled down the Iranian captain.
Referee Dario Herrera, right, shows a red card to Nathan Ngoy (25), of Belgium, 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 issued a straight red card, reducing Belgium to ten men for the remainder of the match.
Belgium survived with ten men as Iran settled for a crucial point
With a numerical advantage and almost 25 minutes remaining, Iran suddenly found themselves with a chance to chase down victory.But instead of going rogue, they maintained a formality that marked their performance throughout the evening. Their defensive formation remained intact, while Belgium, despite being a man down, continued to 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 lockers began to swing as both sides searched for the decisive moment, but nothing could make the final touch.At the final whistle, Belgium had finished with 22 shots to Iran’s 7, while the score was 68 percent to 32 percent in favor of the Europeans. Belgium also recorded seven shots on goal for Iran and completed more than three turnovers.None of those numbers, however, were converted into goals.
Group G is still one of the most unknown groups at the World Cup
The match leaves Group G on the verge of going into the finals.Belgium and Iran are now on two points after drawing two of their opening two matches. Egypt and New Zealand, meanwhile, remain level on one point with their second meeting to be played.Surprisingly, all the Group G games played so far have ended.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 principles without fail.The results mean that the group is completely open.Belgium face New Zealand knowing that anything less than a win could leave them facing the prospect of a second consecutive World Cup exit. Iran, meanwhile, will remain in contention and will face Egypt with their legitimate hopes in their hands.For Belgium, the evening will be remembered as one of disappointment and a missed opportunity. For Iran, it was a steady display of confidence, composure and a goal-scoring display from Beiranvand that kept one of the game’s favorites at bay for a grueling 90 minutes.With one day of matches left, no country has won, no country has been eliminated, and Group G remains one of the strongest stories in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
