By Dwayne Ferreira.
Beiranvand produces a stunning display as Iran hold ten-man Belgium 0-0, leaving both nations under pressure before their final Group G matches.
Alireza Beiranvand produced a heroic goalkeeping display as Iran held ten-man Belgium to a 0-0 draw in Los Angeles, leaving both countries under pressure before their final Group G fixtures.
Belgium entered the match after being held 1-1 by Egypt, while Iran had drawn 2-2 with New Zealand. Victory would have placed either side in a commanding qualification position.
Rudi Garcia’s Belgium controlled possession for long periods but again struggled to turn territorial dominance into goals. Their attacking play often lacked the speed required to disrupt Iran’s disciplined defensive block.
Romelu Lukaku competed physically with the Iranian centre-backs and received an early booking, while Kevin De Bruyne attempted to create openings from deeper positions.
Iran threatened on transitions and briefly believed they had taken the lead through Mehdi Taremi. The goal was disallowed for offside following a video review, allowing Belgium to escape without conceding.
The match’s defining individual moment came when Beiranvand denied Maxim De Cuyper from close range. The Iranian goalkeeper scrambled across the goal and produced an extraordinary reaction save from an apparently hopeless position.
Belgium’s task became considerably more difficult in the 66th minute. Nathan Ngoy was shown a red card after bringing down Taremi and denying the striker a clear scoring opportunity.
Iran suddenly possessed the numerical advantage but could not exploit it. Belgium reorganised effectively, while the Asian side lacked the precision needed to convert the extra player into sustained clear chances.
Beiranvand remained alert until the final whistle, completing a performance that protected Iran’s unbeaten record. His saves were particularly important during Belgium’s strongest passages before the dismissal.
The goalless result increased the pressure on Belgium, who have struggled for attacking efficiency despite producing a high number of attempts across their opening two games.
Iran, however, remain well positioned to challenge for their first appearance in a World Cup knockout stage. Two draws have kept them involved in an unusually tight group.
Belgium face New Zealand on June 26, while Iran meet Egypt at the same time. Every country in Group G retains a route to qualification, making the final round particularly significant.
Garcia’s side will enter its last match knowing another failure to win could produce a second consecutive group-stage World Cup exit. Iran can approach Egypt with greater confidence after Beiranvand’s performance preserved another valuable point.
MATCH SUMMARY
Belgium – 0
Iran – 0
Red card: Nathan Ngoy 66’
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group G
Venue: Los Angeles Stadium
Result: Draw, 0-0
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