World Cup 2026: Belgium make life harder for themselves after draw with Iran
Two games, two draws. This was probably not how the Red Devils pictured their tournament starting. On Sunday night in Los Angeles, Belgium could not find a way past Iran in a frustrating 0-0 draw, with Rudi Garcia’s side badly lacking spark for long spells.
The result suits Iran, who showed plenty of grit despite a difficult build-up. For Belgium, the calculator is already out before their crucial meeting with New Zealand.
Courtois keeps Belgium alive for long stretches
Belgium had the ball, but the best chances often fell to Iran. In the first half, Salah Hardani forced Thibaut Courtois into a top-class save. A few minutes later, Mehdi Taremi thought he had scored after a slick move. But the Iran striker was ruled offside by the narrowest of margins. A let-off for the Red Devils, who had mostly struggled to put Alireza Beiranvand under pressure.
Romelu Lukaku, handed a start despite questions over his fitness, never really troubled the opposition defence. Kevin De Bruyne, too, was well below his usual level.
Ngoy red card changes the closing stages
After the break, Belgium tried to raise the tempo. Beiranvand stood firm, especially against Maxim De Cuyper. The Belgians looked as if they might finally find a breakthrough, before the turning point arrived. From a shaky back pass, Nathan Ngoy found himself in trouble and had no choice but to make the foul to stop a clear chance. The referee did not hesitate and sent off the defender with a little more than 20 minutes left.
Down to 10 men, the Red Devils were mostly focused on hanging on to the point. Iran kept pushing, but Courtois was there again. In the closing minutes, Lukebakio and Fernandez-Pardo both had efforts without managing to change the result.
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Qualification now hinges on New Zealand
With two points from two matches, Belgium are still in the hunt but have little room left for error. Their next game against New Zealand now feels like a final.
For Iran, this point carries real weight. Amir Ghalenoei’s players stood toe to toe with one of the group favourites and can still dream of a place in the last 16.
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Photo credit: Etienne Laurent / AFP
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