Belgium and Iran drew 0-0 in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G match at Los Angeles Stadium, a result shaped by Alireza Beiranvand's second-half save and Nathan Ngoy's red card.
The Guardian's match report said Beiranvand denied Maxim De Cuyper from inside the six-yard box just before the hour, blocking the clearest Belgium chance after Kevin De Bruyne had created the opening near the byline.
Beiranvand Keeps Belgium Out
The save mattered because Belgium had already spent much of the game pushing without finding a finishing touch. The report noted Belgium had 38 shots across their first two group games without scoring a goal of their own, with their only tournament goal to that point coming through an Egypt own goal.
Iran also had a first-half moment taken away. Mehdi Taremi finished a free-kick routine, but the live report logged the goal as ruled out after a VAR offside check. That left the match scoreless and kept the focus on both goalkeepers, with Thibaut Courtois also required to handle Iran chances.
Ngoy Red Card Changes Belgium Finish
Belgium were reduced to 10 men in the 68th minute when Ngoy brought down Taremi after underhitting a pass back toward his goalkeeper. The live report described Taremi as still within reach but clear enough for the referee to send Ngoy off.
The red card did not turn the match into an Iran win. Beiranvand still had work to do late, including another stop from De Cuyper, while Belgium continued to look blunt despite De Bruyne's flashes and Romelu Lukaku's return to the starting lineup.
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei praised Beiranvand's experience and concentration after the draw. Belgium coach Rudi Garcia, meanwhile, pointed toward the need to keep going before the final Group G match against New Zealand.
The verified result is direct enough: Belgium 0, Iran 0, a point each, a Belgian red card and an Iran goalkeeper making the match's defining play. For a goalless draw, that is not short on consequence.