Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand produced a match-winning display as Iran earned a hard-fought goalless draw against Belgium in a tense FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G encounter.
INGLEWOOD: Iran secured a valuable point in FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G after holding Belgium to a tense 0-0 draw on Sunday, thanks largely to an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
The result leaves both teams on two points, keeping the race for qualification wide open. While Belgium controlled large portions of the contest, they were unable to find a breakthrough against an inspired Iranian defense led by Beiranvand.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 66th minute when Belgian defender Nathan Ngoy received a straight red card for bringing down Mehdi Taremi after the Iranian striker broke clear on goal. The dismissal handed Iran a numerical advantage, but the Asian side struggled to capitalize.
Earlier, Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku was booked following a challenge on Beiranvand in a fiercely contested opening half. Iran thought they had taken the lead before the break when Taremi converted from a set-piece move, only for VAR to rule the goal out for offside.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Belgium continued to threaten. Beiranvand delivered the decisive moments of the match, making several crucial saves, including an exceptional close-range stop from Maxim De Cuyper.
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