World Cup 2026: Ten-man Belgium held to goalless draw by Iran
Belgium played out a 0-0 draw with Iran in Los Angeles, despite being reduced to ten men in the second half due to a red card.
Belgium and Iran played to a goalless draw in their Group G match at the 2026 World Cup in Los Angeles on Sunday. Both teams picked up their second consecutive draw in the group stage.
Belgium defender Nathan Ngoy was sent off in the 66th minute after miskicking the ball and then fouling Iran's Mehdi Taremi to prevent a clear scoring chance. Despite playing with a man advantage, Iran couldn't capitalize, and Belgium actually created better chances late in the game.
Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand made seven saves, including two crucial stops against Maxim De Cuyper in the second half. De Cuyper had a golden opportunity in the 86th minute, but Beiranvand denied him. At the other end, Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also made several key saves to keep Iran off the scoresheet.
Iran had a goal from Mehdi Taremi disallowed by VAR for offside in the first half. Belgium dominated possession but struggled to break down Iran's defense. Belgian winger Jérémy Doku missed the match due to illness.
Iran, whose World Cup campaign has been affected by US travel restrictions and visa denials, will regret not beating a top-10 ranked European team in front of a supportive crowd in the Los Angeles area. Belgium has yet to score a goal from open play in the tournament, with their only goal so far being an own goal in their opening draw with Egypt.
