Beiranvand Heroics Earn Iran Point Against Ten-Man Belgium

Belgium and IR Iran drew 0–0 at Los Angeles Stadium in a match that left Group G finely poised after two matchdays. Iran thought they had taken the lead when Mehdi Taremi beat Thibaut Courtois, but VAR correctly ruled the striker offside, and Belgium dominated thereafter without finding a breakthrough as Alireza Beiranvand produced a series of fine saves — notably denying Maxim De Cuyper from point-blank range.

The game turned when Nathan Ngoy was shown a straight red card in the 66th minute for pulling back Taremi after miscontrolling a pass and denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. Belgium still finished with around 70% possession, 23 shots and seven on target to Iran's seven and three, but could not beat Beiranvand, who was named Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match. Saeid Ezatolahi was booked in the first half.

Every team in Group G is still unbeaten after two rounds — Iran and Belgium have two points, New Zealand one and Egypt one ahead of the final matchday on 26 June. Belgium face New Zealand in Vancouver while Iran meet Egypt in Seattle, with all four nations still in contention for the last 32.