🇧🇪 Belgium 0-0 Iran 🇮🇷: Beiranvand and Courtois Star in a Draw That Tightens Group G at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Inglewood hosted an intense and tactical clash between Belgium and Iran that ended goalless but delivered plenty of excitement, with two outstanding performances between the posts from Alireza Beiranvand and Thibaut Courtois.

From the opening whistle, Belgium controlled possession through the leadership of Kevin De Bruyne, looking to impose their rhythm and precision in the attacking half. In the second minute, an early attack ended in concern after a collision between Romelu Lukaku and the Iranian goalkeeper, who was able to continue. As the minutes passed, Belgium's dominance became more evident, though they lacked the finishing touch.

In the seventh minute, De Bruyne tried his luck from distance, but his effort went wide. Shortly afterward, Alireza Beiranvand began to establish himself as a key figure with a two-step save to deny a dangerous Belgian attempt. Iran, meanwhile, relied on defensive organization and counterattacks led by Mehdi Taremi.

The most controversial moment of the first half arrived in the 24th minute when Iran scored from a well-worked free-kick routine finished by Taremi, but the goal was ruled out for a marginal offside. From that point on, the match remained tightly contested until halftime.

The tempo increased after the break. Alexis Saelemaekers came close with a volley in the 49th minute, while Taremi responded by forcing a fine save from Courtois three minutes later. The Belgian goalkeeper once again came to his team's rescue following a brilliant move by De Bruyne in the 58th minute.

The turning point came in the 62nd minute with Ngoy's red card, leaving Belgium down to ten men after bringing down Taremi as he raced through on goal. Even so, the Belgians defended with discipline, while Iran grew in confidence.

In the closing stages, Beiranvand took center stage, producing a crucial save to deny Maxim De Cuyper in the 85th minute and preserve the draw.

The final whistle confirmed a 0-0 result that leaves mixed feelings: Belgium dominated but failed to capitalize, while Iran showed resilience and earned a valuable point. Group G remains completely open heading into the final matchday.