Belgium and IR Iran played out a 0-0 draw in Group G of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ on Sunday 21 June in Los Angeles, leaving both teams still searching for a first win after two matches.
The contest was shaped by standout goalkeeping at both ends, with Alireza Beiranvand and Thibaut Courtois producing key stops, and by a second-half red card for Belgium centre-back Nathan Ngoy that forced the Red Devils to finish with ten men.
Despite Belgium dominating possession, IR Iran’s deep defensive shape, blocks and Beiranvand’s interventions kept the game scoreless, while Iran also carried threat—most notably through long throws and set-piece moments.
How the 0-0 unfolded in Los Angeles
Belgium started with Romelu Lukaku leading the line, making his first start for club or country since 9 June last year. Belgium’s early pressure produced a clear sight of goal when Youri Tielemans drove a strong effort towards the near post, only for Beiranvand to beat it away.
IR Iran, however, generated the more serious first-half goal threat. Courtois reacted sharply to get down low and stop a Hossein Kanani shot on the turn after a long throw was launched into the penalty area.
After 25 minutes, Team Melli thought they had taken the lead through an inventive free-kick routine. Ehsan Hajisafi slid the ball through to Mehdi Taremi positioned in the wall, and Taremi finished low past Courtois. The goal did not stand, with Taremi ruled offside.
The second half continued in a similar pattern: Belgium seeing plenty of the ball, Iran remaining compact and dangerous on direct deliveries. Alireza Jahanbakhsh entered the match to earn his 100th cap, and Iran again tested Courtois when Taremi struck a powerful volley following another long throw.
At the other end, Beiranvand delivered two eye-catching low saves to deny Maxim De Cuyper, preserving the clean sheet as Belgium pushed for a breakthrough.
The match’s pivotal moment arrived after 66 minutes when Belgium were reduced to ten men. Ngoy’s miscontrol allowed Taremi in, and the centre-back pulled him down, leading to a red card. With a numerical advantage for the final stages, IR Iran were unable to convert the extra man into a winning goal, and the points were shared.
Key figures and notable milestones
Beiranvand was named Superior Player of the Match after his series of saves kept Belgium out. For Belgium, Courtois also had a major role, and he reached a personal landmark by equalling Enzo Scifo’s Belgian record of 17 World Cup appearances.
What the draw means in Group G
The goalless result leaves both IR Iran and Belgium on two points from their opening two games in Group G. With neither side yet to register a win, the final group matchday looms large in the race to progress.
Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia pointed to a lack of efficiency in front of goal and noted that playing with ten men did not help. Lukaku also reflected on the frustration of creating chances without scoring. On the Iran side, Amir Ghalehnoei praised his players and singled out Beiranvand, while the goalkeeper described the game as tough and highlighted the pressure Belgium applied, especially in the first half.
With both teams level on points after two matches, the draw in Los Angeles ensured Group G remains finely poised heading into the decisive fixtures.
