Belgium’s search for a first victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues after they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Iran at Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday in a tightly contested Group stage encounter.
Both sides entered the match looking for their first win of the tournament. Belgium opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Egypt and arrived unbeaten in 14 matches across all competitions. Iran also shared the points in their first outing after a 2-2 draw with New Zealand and came into the game on a four-match unbeaten run.
Belgium threatened early through Kevin De Bruyne in the ninth minute when the Manchester City playmaker cut inside from the left and attempted an audacious effort that drifted over the crossbar.
Iran responded strongly and almost broke the deadlock six minutes later. Hossein Kanani spun sharply inside the area and drove a powerful effort towards the bottom corner, but Thibaut Courtois produced a brilliant save to keep the scores level. It was the first of several crucial interventions from the Belgian goalkeeper.
Iran thought they had taken the lead in the 29th minute following a brilliantly worked free-kick routine. Ehsan Hajisafi shaped to shoot before slipping a clever pass through to Mehdi Taremi, who calmly finished beyond Courtois.
However, a VAR review confirmed Taremi had strayed offside, denying Iran what would have been a deserved opener. The decision silenced jubilant celebrations from the Iranian supporters, who had already begun celebrating the goal.
Belgium struggled to create clear-cut opportunities but came close in the closing stages of the first half. Romelu Lukaku powered a header over the bar in the 37th minute after an inviting cross from Leandro Trossard. Moments later, Youri Tielemans delivered a superb pass into the path of Maxim De Cuyper, whose well-struck volley forced a smart save from Alireza Beiranvand.
The teams went into halftime level at 0-0. Belgium’s attacking struggles continued a worrying trend, as they failed to score in the first half of a World Cup match for the fourth consecutive game. They had not won any of the previous three matches in that sequence.
Iran started the second half brightly and again tested Courtois in the 53rd minute. Taremi reacted quickly inside the penalty area and unleashed a powerful shot, but the Real Madrid goalkeeper was equal to it with another outstanding stop.
At the other end, Beiranvand produced one of the saves of the tournament in the 60th minute. Belgium launched a sustained attack and the ball ricocheted around the six-yard box before De Cuyper fired towards goal from close range.
Somehow, the Iranian goalkeeper managed to keep it out. Replays suggested he made multiple saves within seconds to preserve the clean sheet. His reactions from virtually on the goal line left players and fans stunned.
Belgium manager Rudi Garcia responded with a triple substitution a minute later, introducing Timothy Castagne, Dodi Lukebakio and Hans Vanaken in search of a breakthrough.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 69th minute when Belgium were reduced to ten men. Defender Nathan Ngoy miscontrolled a routine pass near his own area and allowed Taremi to break through on goal. As the Iranian striker raced clear, Ngoy pulled him back and the referee immediately produced a red card. The decision left little room for debate and marked the eighth dismissal of the tournament, double the number recorded during the entire 2022 World Cup.
Despite their numerical advantage, Iran struggled to make the extra man count. Saeid Ezatolahi came close in the 82nd minute after dispossessing De Bruyne deep inside Belgium’s half, but Courtois once again stood firm.
Belgium continued to push for a winner despite playing with ten men. De Cuyper forced another excellent save from Beiranvand in the 87th minute after a well-worked move inside the box. Deep into stoppage time, Lukebakio came closest to breaking the deadlock when his curling effort drifted narrowly wide of the top corner.
The final whistle confirmed a second consecutive draw for both nations. Belgium will feel particularly disappointed after failing to capitalize on several late opportunities, while Iran can take encouragement from another disciplined and resilient defensive display.
Before the match, Iran had won only one of their previous 10 World Cup matches against European opposition, although that victory came against Wales in 2022. Belgium, meanwhile, extended their winless run at the World Cup to four matches. The Red Devils have now drawn three and lost one of their last four games at the tournament after winning 11 of their previous 13 World Cup matches.
Neither side managed to find the breakthrough, but the performances of Courtois and Beiranvand ensured the goalkeepers remained the standout figures in a hard-fought and entertaining stalemate.
