FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G: Belgium vs Iran Match Report – 10-Man Belgium Frustrated by Resolute Iran in Goalless Draw

It was action-packed, but nothing could separate Belgium and Iran in Group G at the 2026 World Cup. Ten-man Belgium were frustrated by a resolute Iran as they played out a 0-0 stalemate at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, making it two draws from two games for both sides.

While the contest saw a first-half Mehdi Taremi goal disallowed, Nathan Ngoy sent off in the second period, and plenty of chances in general, neither team could claim their first win in Group G. The crowd of 70,317 watched Belgium dominate the ball but meet a stubborn wall. Iran sat in a 5-4-1 and got elite goalkeeping to keep it 0-0.

Match Overview

First Half: Goalless in Inglewood, but Never Flat

Rudi Garcia’s side lined up in a 4-2-3-1 and controlled territory almost throughout. However, it was Iran who had the better of the early chances. Hossein Kanani’s drive forced Thibaut Courtois into a fine save. From the resulting corner, Saeid Ezatolahi rose highest at the back post but could only thump his header wide.

At the other end, Youri Tielemans tried his luck from a tight angle, only to be thwarted by Alireza Beiranvand.

Belgium survived another scare in the 25th minute. A cleverly worked short free-kick from Ehsan Hajsafi was threaded into Taremi, who spun and slotted past Courtois. However, a VAR check showed he was marginally offside. Kevin De Bruyne and Maxim De Cuyper both saw volleys smothered by Beiranvand as Belgium pushed for a goal that never came before the break. Half time arrived after eight added minutes as Iran managed the waves with timely clearances.

Second Half: A Red Card and Beiranvand’s Heroics

Belgium picked up where they left off in the second half. Alexis Saelemaekers peeled away at the back post to volley a De Bruyne corner into the side netting.

Courtois—on his 17th World Cup appearance—saved Belgium again shortly after, pushing away Taremi’s rasping volley. Beiranvand was equally impactful at the other end, stretching out a strong hand to inexplicably keep out De Cuyper’s attempt from point-blank range.

The game flipped on 66 minutes. Nathan Ngoy’s lapse in concentration proved costly; Taremi pounced on his terrible attempted backpass from just inside Belgium’s half before the defender dragged him back. Ngoy received a straight red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity.

Belgium adjusted with triple changes soon after, bringing on Timothy Castagne, Hans Vanaken, and Dodi Lukebakio. Even with ten men, Belgium still drew three late saves and fired 12 second-half shots. Courtois got down to keep out Ezatolahi’s long-range drive, while Beiranvand held De Cuyper’s low curler before Lukebakio bent an effort wide as the sides shared the points.

Tactical Breakdown: Possession vs Defending

Belgium owned 70 percent possession and produced 23 shots to Iran’s seven. The expected goals (xG) split read 1.82 to 0.63. Seven of Belgium’s shots hit the target and 20 came inside the area. Iran survived with smart blocks, massed bodies, and a goalkeeper who refused to blink.

Belgium completed 622 passes and made 79 final-third entries, constantly working the flanks with 32 crosses (though only six found a target). Iran completed 268 passes and spent long stretches protecting the edge of their area. Clearances finished 50 to 11 in Iran’s favor, a number that sums up the night. Interceptions also leaned Iran’s way at 13 to 3.

Player Spotlight: Alireza Beiranvand’s Perfect 10

Alireza Beiranvand turned the match into a goalkeeper’s showcase. The Tractor FC shot-stopper was named Player of the Match and was flawless, posting a perfect 10 rating.

Iran’s No.1 made seven saves, all from inside the box, effectively preventing 1.70 goals. He produced three confident high claims, logged 11 ball recoveries, and punched once when traffic demanded it. His single sweeper action was timed to perfection, clearing the space behind the line.

With the ball, Beiranvand handled 50 touches. He completed 20 of 34 passes with 11 accurate long balls from 24, launching counters or bypassing pressure to give his defenders a breather. On a night where outfield defenders stacked up 50 clearances, Beiranvand provided the final seal.

Supporting Cast

For Belgium, Leandro Trossard was the main creative spark, posting six key passes. Kevin De Bruyne threatened with five shots, three key passes, and 0.42 xG. Maxim De Cuyper produced five attempts and 0.84 xG but logged the game’s only big chance missed.

However, it was a frustrating outing for Romelu Lukaku, who was rewarded with a start. He saw yellow inside three minutes and has now gone eight games without a goal at the World Cup (his last coming in 2018).

For Iran, Shoja Khalilzadeh led the back line with 14 clearances and three blocks. Hossein Kanani added eight clearances. Mehdi Taremi battled continuously, winning eight duels, taking one shot on target, and drawing the red-card foul.

What This Means for Group G

Belgium got lucky after lacking the golden touch. While they had to come from behind to earn their draw with Egypt last time out, Jérémy Doku had been a bright spark, and his absence against Iran through illness was sorely felt. Rudi Garcia will be worried about Belgium’s disjointedness up front; they have now had 69 shots without success across their matches and are winless in their last four World Cup matches.

Iran’s experience paid off. With an average age of 32 years and 181 days, it was the oldest XI named in a World Cup match on record (since 1966), and they threw bodies on the line to keep Belgium at bay. Nevertheless, they may feel unlucky to walk away with only a point, especially after Taremi’s great chance before Belgium went down to 10.

Read More: FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H: Spain vs Saudi Arabia Match Report – Oyarzabal and Yamal Inspire Spain to 4-0 Rout of Saudi Arabia

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