Belgium and Iran tied 0-0 at the Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium), in a match corresponding to the second day of Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The result left the Europeans in a compromised situation heading into the last date.
The Red Devils, who were looking for their first victory in the tournament after drawing 1-1 against Egypt, finished the match with 10 players due to the expulsion of Nathan Ngoy in the 66th minute. The Belgian defender received a direct red card after committing a foul on Mehdi Taremi when the Iranian striker was advancing towards the area in a clear scoring opportunity.
From that moment on, Belgium had to reorganize and defend outnumbered during the final stretch of the match. Iran, which arrived after drawing 2-2 against New Zealand, tried to take advantage of having one more player, but could not overcome the resistance of the Belgian defense or goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Before the expulsion, the match had one of its most controversial actions when Mehdi Taremi celebrated a goal that was later disallowed after the VAR review for offside.
Belgium dominated, but did not find the goal
Belgium controlled much of the possession and created the clearest chances, especially during the first half. Leandro Trossard, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku made several appearances, but the lack of precision in the final meters and the Iranian defensive solidity prevented the scoring from opening.
Iran, for its part, opted for an orderly approach and sought to do damage through quick transitions, mainly with Mehdi Taremi and Mohammad Mohebbi.
Group G open for the last day
The tie leaves Belgium and Iran with two points after two days. Group G maintains an open outlook, awaiting the other results of the date.
For Belgium, the result represents a missed opportunity. Considered one of the strongest teams in the group, they hoped to score three points to get closer to qualifying for the round of 16. Now they will have to go into the final day with options and depend on a favorable combination of results.
Iran, for its part, added a valuable point against one of the sector’s favorites and maintains its aspirations to advance intact.
The definition of Group G will remain for the third day, with several teams still in the fight for qualifying positions. The group is like this: Iran in first place with 2 points, the same as Belgium and with one unit they are followed New Zealand and Egypt, who face each other this June 21 at 7 p.m. at the BC Place Vancouver Stadium.