Iran and Belgium Share Points in Goalless World Cup Draw

Belgium and Iran played out a goalless draw in their World Cup Group G match, a result that keeps the group wide open. The stalemate means both teams have two points, with their final group stage matches determining their fate.

Iran saw a goal disallowed early in the game due to a marginal offside call against Mehdi Taremi. The match became more challenging for Belgium when defender Nathan Ngoy received a direct red card in the 67th minute for a foul on Taremi, reducing Belgium to ten players for the remainder of the game.

Despite being a man down, Belgium pushed for a winner, but Iran's defense, marshaled by the veteran Shoja Khalilzadeh, held firm. Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand was instrumental, making numerous saves to deny Belgian attackers like Maxim De Cuyper, Youri Tielemans, and Kevin De Bruyne. Khalilzadeh himself registered significant defensive contributions, including clearances and tackles.

Conversely, Iran also tested Belgium's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, forcing him into action with a shot from Hossein Kanaani. Both keepers continued to be tested in the closing minutes, with Courtois making a late save to preserve the draw. The match marked the third goalless draw of the 2026 World Cup tournament.