Belgium vs Iran FIFA World Cup result: Iran survives Belgian pressure to secure hard-fought 0-0 draw

Belgian and Iranian flags are seen on the field before 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) Belgium dominated possession and territory on a thrilling evening in Los Angeles, but Mehdi Taremi’s disallowed goal, a goalkeeping masterclass from Alireza Beiranvand and a costly red card for Nathan Ngoye ensured Iran picked up a valuable point for a dramatic 0-0 draw at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Belgium’s quest for a first win at the 2026 World Cup will continue into the final day of action after Rudi Garcia’s side were held to a tense and often chaotic 0-0 draw by Iran in a key Group G clash at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.The device arrived with considerable pressure. Belgium opened their campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Egypt, while Iran shared the points in an entertaining 2-2 draw with New Zealand. With both nations widely seen as contenders to advance from the group, defeat would greatly complicate qualification hopes.What followed was a game that Belgium largely controlled without ever fully dominating. The Red Devils had 68% possession, completed 506 passes and registered 22 shots, yet were unable to find a way past the inspired Alireza Beiranvand. Iran, meanwhile, created fewer chances but created arguably some of the most dangerous moments of the match and left California believing they could take all three points.

Taremi thought he had made the breakthrough before VAR intervened

Iran’s willingness to sit compact and frustrate Belgium was evident from the opening stages, but they remained dangerous whenever opportunities to strike quickly arose.Their best moment of the first half came in the 25th minute through captain Mehdi Taremi.A clever free-kick routine by Ehsan Hajsafi caught Belgium’s defense off guard and allowed Taremi to beat Thibaut Courtois. Iranian celebrations erupted when the ball found the net, but the joy was short-lived.

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, center, fails to stop a shot by Iran’s Mehdi Taremi that was ruled out for 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 disallowed for offside, preserving the stalemate but serving as a warning to a Belgium side who looked increasingly vulnerable whenever Iran managed to break through midfield.Belgium continued to dominate possession but struggled to convert possession into clear-cut chances. The Iranian defense organization repeatedly forced them into congested areas, while Beiranvand remained alert whenever called upon.

Beiranvand puts in one of the goalkeeping performances of the tournament

The second half developed into a siege of the Iranian penalty area.Belgium pressed higher, committed more players up front and tried to overwhelm Iran with sustained pressure. But every breakthrough seemed to hit the same roadblock.Beiranvand produced a performance that will be remembered as one of the best goalkeeping performances of the tournament so far.

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 goalkeeper finished with seven saves and repeatedly denied Belgium from close range. His standout moment came when Maxim De Cuyper looked set to score from close range but Alireza Beiranvand produced a brilliant reflex to keep it out. He was later voted man of the match for his performance.With Belgium growing increasingly frustrated, the game turned dramatically in Iran’s favor midway through the half.In the 66th minute, Nathan Ngoy mischecked a back pass and suddenly found Taremi, who was running clear towards the goal. The Belgian defender tried to recover but ended up pulling the Iranian captain down.

Referee Dario Herrera, right, shows a red card to Belgium’s Nathan Ngoya (25), 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 will survive with ten men, while Iran settle for a valuable point

Outnumbered and with almost 25 minutes remaining, Iran suddenly found themselves in a position to chase victory.Yet instead of launching an all-out attack, they maintained the discipline that informed their performance throughout the evening. Their defensive structure remained intact as Belgium, despite being on the ground, continued to aggressively contest 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 closing stages became increasingly frantic as both sides searched for the decisive moment, but neither could get the final touch they needed.When the final whistle came, Belgium finished with 22 shots to Iran’s seven, while the possession stats showed 68 per cent to 32 per cent in favor of the Europeans. Belgium also had seven shots on goal to Iran’s three and completed more than three times as many passes.However, none of these numbers translated into goals.

Group G remains one of the most unpredictable groups at the World Cup

The draw leaves Group G delicately poised heading into the final round of matches.Belgium and Iran are now on two points after recording two draws from their opening two matches. Meanwhile, Egypt and New Zealand remain on one point each with their second round match still to be played.Remarkably, every Group G match played so far has ended in a draw.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 points with a goalless scoreline.The result means that the group remains completely open.Belgium take on New Zealand knowing that anything less than victory could leave them facing the prospect of a second consecutive World Cup group stage exit. Iran, meanwhile, remain firmly in contention and will take on Egypt with their qualification hopes firmly in their hands.For Belgium, the evening will be one of frustration and missed opportunities. For Iran, it was a performance built on resilience, organization and goalkeeping from Beiranvand, who kept one of the tournament favorites at bay for a demanding 90 minutes.With one matchday to go, no nation has qualified, no nation has been eliminated and Group G remains one of the most evenly matched stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.