World Cup 2026: Belgium 0-0 Iran - Nathan Ngoy sent off but no goals in Group G draw, stats, facts

Iran delivered one of the biggest statements of the tournament, holding World Cup favourites Belgium to a dramatic 0-0 draw in Los Angeles and staying second in Group G despite facing extraordinary challenges before the match.

With disciplined defending, fearless determination, and a heroic goalkeeping display from Alireza Beiranvand, Iran shut down Belgium’s attacking threats and proved they were more than just underdogs. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei praised his team for playing a “beautiful game” despite the “worst possible conditions” surrounding their preparation.

The road to the World Cup had been far from normal for Iran. A lack of competitive matches, cancelled warm-ups, and disruptions caused by the conflict left many players arriving with little game time. Beiranvand, the hero against Belgium, had played only a few matches since February — yet produced a stunning 59th-minute save that earned him Man of the Match honours.

Defenders Ali Nemati and Hossein Kanaanizadegan also stepped up, blocking Belgium’s dangerous attacks despite limited preparation and recent injuries.

Iran entered the tournament with doubts surrounding them. Against Belgium, they answered with courage, resilience, and a message to the world: **even a team pushed to the edge can rise when the biggest moment arrives.**

Belgium vs Iran STats, facts, records

Date: Sunday, June 21, 2026

With an average age of 32 years and 181 days, Iran named the oldest starting XI by any side on record (from 1966) for a FIFA World Cup match.

Leandro Trossard created five chances for Kevin De Bruyne for Belgium against Iran, the most by one player to a single teammate in a FIFA World Cup match since Bastian Schweinsteiger to Michael Ballack for Germany against Sweden in 2006.

Iran completed just 50 passes in the first half of this match, the third-lowest on record (from 1966) by a side in the opening period of a FIFA World Cup game. Each of the four lowest first half totals recorded have all been by Iran: 52 v Spain in 2018, 50 v Belgium today, 46 v England in 2022, and 44 v Argentina in 2014.

Two of Belgium’s last three FIFA World Cup games have finished 0-0 (also v Croatia in 2022), this after only one of their first 50 matches at the finals had ended without a goal.

Belgium had 23 shots in this match, their most without scoring in a FIFA World Cup game since 1994 against Saudi Arabia (28). Indeed, their players have fired in 69 shots at the finals since a Belgium player last got on the scoresheet (Michy Batshuayi v Canada in 2022).

Stats Via Opta

Belgium vs Iran Head-to-Head Record

Belgium and Iran have met only a handful of times in international competition. Historically, Belgium have enjoyed more success in previous encounters, although Iran have often demonstrated their ability to compete against higher-ranked opponents.