Belgium vs Iran: Beiranvand Stars as 10-Man Belgium Held
Updated 21 June 2026.
Belgium vs Iran at World Cup 2026 finished 0-0, Alireza Beiranvand making seven saves and Iran holding firm even after Belgium were reduced to ten men when Joaquin Ngoy was sent off for fouling Mehdi Taremi on 66 minutes. The point leaves Group G finely poised, with neither favourite able to break clear.
| Match facts | Detail |
|---|---|
| Result | Belgium 0-0 Iran |
| Competition | World Cup 2026, Group G |
| Venue | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood |
| Key moment | Ngoy sent off 66′ (BEL) |
| Iran goalkeeper | Beiranvand, 7 saves |
| Belgium xG | 1.82 from 70% possession |
Belgium vs Iran World Cup 2026: how it finished goalless
Belgium controlled the ball and Iran controlled the scoreline. The favourites had 70% possession, strung together 622 passes and worked the ball into 1.82 expected goals, yet found Alireza Beiranvand in inspired form, the Iran goalkeeper turning away seven efforts. When Joaquin Ngoy was dismissed for a foul on Mehdi Taremi after 66 minutes, Belgium’s task only grew harder, and Iran saw out a disciplined 0-0.
This was a smash-and-grab of the patient kind. Iran sat deep, defended their box with numbers and still carried a threat on the break through Taremi. Belgium’s possession never translated into the clear chance the performance deserved, and the ten-man finish underlined an evening of frustration for one of Group G’s heavyweights.
What it means for Group G
The draw leaves both sides short of where they hoped to be, with Group G still wide open going into the final round. ESPN framed it as Beiranvand and Iran earning a battling point against ten-man Belgium. Every team in the group can still progress, and the permutations will hinge on the closing fixtures. Track the full table on our group standings tracker and the live standings page.
What is next
Belgium and Iran close out Group G in the final round, with kick-offs on our fixtures page and goals live on live scores. We previewed this one in our Belgium vs Iran preview, revisit Belgium’s opener in our Belgium vs Egypt report and Iran’s in our Iran vs New Zealand report, and see the full schedule in our complete World Cup 2026 guide.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score in Belgium vs Iran?
Belgium and Iran drew 0-0 in their World Cup 2026 Group G match on 21 June at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, with Iran holding on after Belgium were reduced to ten men.
Why were Belgium down to ten men against Iran?
Belgium defender Joaquin Ngoy was sent off on 66 minutes for fouling Iran’s Mehdi Taremi, leaving Belgium to play the closing stages a man short in the 0-0 draw.
Who was the standout in Belgium vs Iran?
Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand was the standout, making seven saves to keep a clean sheet as Iran absorbed 70% Belgian possession to earn a point.
Sources: 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G, ESPN match page and the FIFA match centre.
