Belgium Down to Ten Men and Drop Points Again Against Iran
Belgium failed to secure a win against Iran in their World Cup qualifier, playing with ten men and missing chances.
Belgium's national football team dropped points again in their World Cup 2026 qualification match against Iran on Tuesday, failing to convert their dominance into goals. The match was tense from the start, with Belgium pressing early but overeagerness leading to Romelu Lukaku's yellow card in the third minute for a collision with Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
Both sides had dangerous opportunities. In the ninth minute, Maxim De Keiper fired a shot after Kevin De Bruyne's blocked attempt, but Beiranvand saved. Iranian defender Hossein Kanani also threatened with a shot towards the center of the goal, but Thibaut Courtois responded. Iran had a goal disallowed after a VAR review for an infringement during a set piece.
In the second half, Belgium controlled possession and attacked repeatedly, but Beiranvand made excellent saves to keep the score level. The turning point came in the 66th minute when Belgian defender Nathan Ngoi from Lille lost the ball in his own half and then fouled an opponent, earning a direct red card. Reduced to ten men, Belgium could not break the deadlock, eventually settling for a draw (or loss?) and losing valuable points in their quest for World Cup qualification.
