Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand produced a series of outstanding saves as Iran held 10-man Belgium to a 0-0 draw in their Group G clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Belgium’s hopes of securing victory suffered a setback in the 66th minute when defender Nathan Ngoy was shown a straight red card for bringing down Mehdi Taremi after the Iranian forward intercepted his attempted pass and raced through on goal.
Despite enjoying a numerical advantage, Iran struggled to capitalise, creating few clear opportunities as Belgium continued to push forward and increase the pressure in the closing stages.
Beiranvand repeatedly came to Iran’s rescue with crucial interventions, including a remarkable point-blank save to deny Maxim De Cuyper in the second half.
The result leaves both teams on two points in Group G. Iran will face Egypt in Seattle on Friday, while Belgium take on New Zealand in Vancouver.
Belgium dominated possession in the first half but failed to create many clear-cut chances.
The match began on a physical note, with Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku receiving a yellow card in the third minute after a late challenge that left Beiranvand on the ground receiving treatment.
Iran thought they had taken the lead shortly before the first-half hydration break when Mehdi Taremi converted after a clever free-kick routine involving Ehsan Hajisafi. However, a VAR review ruled the goal out for offside.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia, who had previously indicated that Lukaku’s playing time needed careful management, started the striker and kept him on the pitch until the 74th minute.
Lukaku admitted the result was disappointing for Belgium.
“We have to analyse what went wrong because we created so many chances without scoring, and that’s frustrating,” Lukaku said. “We play with too much emotion in key moments.”
Iran’s team has been forced to remain outside the United States between matches due to restrictions imposed by the American government, which has also barred several Iranian team staff members and officials.
The atmosphere inside the more than 70,000-capacity stadium was electric, with Iranian supporters outnumbering Belgian fans and chanting throughout the match.
Beiranvand, who was named Player of the Match, praised the support from the crowd.
“I kiss the hands of every single Iranian who was here in the stadium today. All the Iranians who supported us today. There were moments when everyone was chanting the name of Iran,” he said.
Although there were small protests outside the stadium and some supporters displayed pre-revolutionary Iranian flags, the political tension surrounding the match was less pronounced than during Iran’s opening fixture.
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei praised his players’ commitment against one of the world’s strongest teams.
“The conditions have been very hard for us,” he said. “They are playing with their hearts.”
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia defended Ngoy following the dismissal.
“He’s young. He made a mistake,” Garcia said.
