Iran hold ten-man Belgium to goalless World Cup draw
Belgium's World Cup campaign suffered another setback as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Iran in Los Angeles. Nathan Ngoy's second-half red card left the Red Devils with 10 men, but Iran could not convert their numerical advantage into a winning goal.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G match between Belgium and Iran ended in a tense 0-0 draw at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on 21 June. Belgium dominated possession but failed to break down a disciplined Iranian defence, leaving both teams with two points from two matches.
A stalemate that leaves both sides anxious
Belgium, third at the 2018 World Cup and a pre-tournament favourite in Group G, have yet to score from open play in this edition. After a 1-1 draw with Egypt, they were stifled again. Iran, backed by a loud LA crowd that included the local Persian diaspora and Mexican allies, held firm despite some nervy moments.
The match turned in the 66th minute when Belgian centre-back Nathan Ngoy miscontrolled a back-pass and then fouled Mehdi Taremi, who was clear through on goal. The referee showed a straight red card, reducing Belgium to ten men. Ironically, Belgium created better chances after the dismissal, with Maxim De Cuyper forcing two excellent saves from Alireza Beiranvand.
Iran had earlier thought they had taken the lead in the 25th minute when a clever free-kick routine set up Taremi to score, but the video assistant referee (VAR) disallowed the goal for offside. The decision kept the scores level and the tension high.
Goalkeepers excel under the California sun
Both goalkeepers were outstanding. Beiranvand made seven saves in total, including a point-blank stop from De Cuyper after a Kevin De Bruyne pass in the 59th minute and a reaction save in the 86th. At the other end, Thibaut Courtois had to be alert to claw away a volley from Taremi and a powerful header from Hossein Kanani.
Belgian winger Jérémy Doku missed the game through illness, which cost his team some attacking spark. Romelu Lukaku, starting for the first time for club or country since June 2025, was quiet and was fortunate to escape with only a yellow card after a studs-up challenge on Beiranvand in the third minute.
The road ahead in Group G
With two points each, Belgium and Iran sit behind whoever emerges from Egypt versus New Zealand, a match that could see one side jump to four points. Belgium must now beat New Zealand in Vancouver on Friday to guarantee a place in the round of 32; a draw would leave them relying on being among the best third-placed teams. Iran face Egypt in Seattle on the same day needing at least a point to keep their hopes alive.
This outcome revives memories of Belgium's group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Coach Rudi Garcia's side has yet to find rhythm, while Iran remain unbeaten but without a win.
Off-field tensions and travel hurdles
Iran's World Cup campaign has been complicated by U.S. travel restrictions. The team has had visa delays moving from their base in Mexico to match venues in the United States. Before the game, Iranian expatriates demonstrated outside the stadium, and the Iranian national anthem was met with loud jeers. However, the players themselves received applause once the match began, reflecting the nuanced sentiment among the diaspora community in "Tehrangeles."
