Belgium hold Iran to a draw at World Cup 2026 despite playing with ten men

Belgium and Iran played out a draw in the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage. The Group G match ended 0-0, but the game was full of incidents and became one of the most tense fixtures of the tournament so far.

For Iran, this result can be considered very positive. The team kept its chances of reaching the knockout stage alive and now has 2 points after two matches. Former Armenia national team player Andranik Teymourian is part of Iran’s coaching staff.

In the final round, Iran will face Egypt, and that match could become decisive in the fight for qualification from the group.

Belgium attacked more but failed to score

Belgium had more of the initiative and created a large number of chances near Iran’s goal. The team registered 20 shots, but still could not break down the Iranian defence.

Iran played compactly, defended patiently and also produced several dangerous counterattacks. Team Melli’s biggest moment came through Mehdi Taremi: the striker put the ball into the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Thibaut Courtois played a key role for Belgium. The Real Madrid goalkeeper made several important saves and prevented Iran from taking the lead. Two of his stops after dangerous Iranian efforts were especially crucial.

Ngoy’s red card changed the final part of the match

Belgium were reduced to ten men in the 67th minute. Defender Nathan Ngoy was shown a red card, forcing Belgium to reorganize and focus more on protecting the result.

Iran had a chance to increase the pressure in the closing stages, but they were unable to take advantage of the extra man. Belgium held firm in the final minutes and preserved a draw that keeps them in contention for the next round.

Belgium also have 2 points after two rounds. The situation in Group G remains completely open: Egypt and New Zealand will play later, and the group table could change significantly after that match.

Courtois climbs in the historic World Cup ranking

For Thibaut Courtois, this match became another important achievement at the World Cup. The Belgian goalkeeper recorded his eighth clean sheet in 17 matches at the tournament and joined the list of the best goalkeepers in World Cup history by this indicator.

Fabien Barthez and Peter Shilton lead the all-time World Cup clean sheet ranking with 10 each. Courtois now has 8 clean sheets — the same number as Jan Jongbloed, Leao, Sepp Maier, Taffarel and Hugo Lloris.

Most clean sheets in World Cup history

1. Fabien Barthez — 10 in 17 appearances
2. Peter Shilton — 10 in 17 appearances
3. Jan Jongbloed — 8 in 12 appearances
4. Leao — 8 in 14 appearances
5. Thibaut Courtois — 8 in 17 appearances
6. Sepp Maier — 8 in 18 appearances
7. Taffarel — 8 in 18 appearances
8. Hugo Lloris — 8 in 20 appearances

Everything will be decided in the final round in Group G

The goalless draw kept the intrigue alive in Group G. Iran and Belgium both have 2 points and remain in real contention for a place in the knockout stage, but in an unfavourable scenario, both teams could still be eliminated.

For Iran, the match against Egypt will be crucial. A win would almost certainly move the team closer to a historic qualification from the group, while a draw or defeat would leave them dependent on other results.

Belgium also face a decisive match. After two consecutive draws, the team has not yet looked fully convincing, but remains in the race. Everything in Group G will now be decided in the final round.