Los Angeles, SoFi Stadium, Matchday 2 of Group G. Belgium, already held by Egypt on opening day (1-1), failed once more to find the net against Iran on Sunday, settling for a 0-0 draw. The Red Devils remain on two points, level with their opponents, in a group that is wide open heading into the final round.
The night belonged to one man: Alireza Beiranvand. The Iranian goalkeeper delivered an outstanding performance, making a series of decisive saves against Maxim De Cuyper — most notably a stunning close-range reflex stop in the second half that proved the defining moment of the match. Belgium dominated possession and pressed high, but ran into a disciplined defensive block and an unbeatable last line. The situation worsened at the 66th minute when Nathan Ngoy, the last defender, fouled Mehdi Taremi and was sent off, leaving Rudi Garcia's side a man down for the remainder of the game.
Two draws from two matches leave Belgium in a precarious position ahead of the final group stage round. Iran, meanwhile, bank a second point that reflects genuine collective resolve. The New Zealand–Egypt fixture that followed had the potential to reshape the standings. For Belgium, there is no margin left for error.
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