Iran hold 10-man Belgium to goalless draw as coach says unbeaten World Cup start will become part of footballing history
Iran followed their opening draw with New Zealand by holding heavily favoured Belgium to a 0-0 result, moving to two points in Group G despite a build-up scarred by war, travel restrictions and cancelled friendlies.
Iran’s World Cup campaign has been defined as much by disruption off the pitch as discipline on it, and their 0-0 draw with Belgium on Sunday in Inglewood, California, only deepened that narrative.
Another stalemate against the odds
Ten-man Belgium dominated possession but could not find a way through a resolute Iranian defence. Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand made seven saves – a performance his coach later called the work of “one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of Iranian football.” Iran even threatened on the counter and might have snatched victory late on, but a point was enough to keep them unbeaten after two matches. The result followed a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening fixture.
A team forged in adversity
The build-up to the tournament was chaotic. Iran spent six months in what coach Amir Ghalenoei described as “war conditions,” during which the domestic league was shut down. Several countries cancelled scheduled friendlies. Once the World Cup began, the squad was forced to base itself in Tijuana, Mexico, and commute into the United States for matches under tight visa constraints. Before facing Belgium, the team had less than 16 hours to train.
I want to go back six months. We were in war conditions for six months; we didn't have our league operating. Many teams cancelled the games they would play against us. We came to the World Cup in the worst conditions possible.
Travel restrictions and inconsistency
U.S. authorities have said the team’s arrangements would be kept under review. Ghalenoei, however, questioned why greater flexibility had been offered for the final group match but not for the opening two fixtures.
For the third game, they've allowed us to decide to make our own decisions with regards to planning the travel. But what my problem is, why didn't they let us come earlier for the first two games as well? If they've managed to do this now, why didn't they do that for our first game and for this game?
The coach also thanked FIFA president Gianni Infantino for attempts to ease the difficulties and acknowledged smoother customs processing upon entry.
Unity and a shot at history
Midfielder Alireza Jahanbakhsh said the hardships had tightened the group. “It is part of our culture that in a difficult situation, we perform better,” he said. “It has united us even more.” He added that the team plays for all Iranians, regardless of ideology or location.
Iran now face Egypt in Seattle on Friday. Victory would send them into the last 16 for the first time in seven World Cup appearances. Protests by opponents of the Iranian government gathered before both Los Angeles matches, but Jahanbakhsh insisted the squad’s focus remains on making people “happy” through their performances.
Recognition beyond results
Ghalenoei believes the opening two games have already secured a place in the nation’s footballing story.
The players who came to this World Cup in this condition need to be congratulated. This will be written in the history of our football and future generations will talk about what we have achieved.
