Belgium Shockingly Held by Iran at World Cup 2026

Belgium left their fans frustrated again. They were held to a 0-0 draw by Iran in their second Group G match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Also, Belgium were lucky to avoid defeat. Thibaut Courtois made several key saves. Without him, the Red Devils could have left the pitch with no points.

Watch the match highlights at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zYJyJY57i8

Belgium needed a win

Belgium came into the match under pressure. They had already drawn with Egypt in their first game. Therefore, a win over Iran was important.

On paper, Belgium had the stronger squad. Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Courtois all started. However, big names did not bring a big performance.

Iran began the match with belief. They stayed compact, pressed well, and waited for space. Then, they used Mehdi Taremi’s runs to trouble Belgium’s defense.

Meanwhile, Belgium had more of the ball. Even so, they did not do much with it. De Bruyne and Tielemans tried to control the tempo. Yet Belgium lacked speed, ideas, and quality in the final third.

Photo: Reuters

Courtois saved Belgium early

Iran created the first big chance. Taremi broke through and fired a dangerous shot. However, Courtois reacted well and kept the score level.

Soon after, he had to save Belgium again. Hossein Kanaani sent a close-range header toward goal. Still, Courtois was ready.

As a result, the Real Madrid goalkeeper quickly became Belgium’s most important player.

Iran also had the ball in the net in the first half. Taremi scored after a clever free-kick routine. However, the goal was ruled out for a very tight offside call.

Belgium survived. Still, the warning was clear. Iran looked sharper and more dangerous.

Belgium created dangerous opportunities but were unable to beat goalkeeper Beiranvand. Photo: AP

Beiranvand denied Belgium’s best chance

Belgium’s best chance came before halftime. De Bruyne produced a classy move and found Maxim De Cuyper in the box.

It looked like a certain goal. However, Alireza Beiranvand made a stunning save. The Iran goalkeeper had already gone down. Even so, he recovered fast and stopped the close-range shot.

Because of that save, Iran kept the score at 0-0. Moreover, the stop gave them even more confidence.

Iran’s goalkeeper Beiranvand saves a shot from Maxim De Cuyper of Belgium. Photo: AP

Ngoy’s red card changed the match

The key moment came in the 66th minute. Ngoy made a poor pass near his own goal. Taremi reacted quickly and raced toward Courtois.

Ngoy tried to recover. However, he fouled the Iran striker and stopped a clear chance. After that, the referee showed him a red card.

From then on, Belgium had to play with ten men. Therefore, the final part of the match became even harder for them.

Iran pushed forward. They moved the ball well and looked for a late goal. However, Courtois stood firm again.

Belgium disappointed by drawing their second consecutive match.

Courtois was Belgium’s hero

Courtois was the main reason Belgium earned one point. He made important saves. Also, he kept his defense calm in the final minutes.

Belgium’s back line was under heavy pressure. Still, Courtois controlled his area well. He also gave clear instructions to the defenders in front of him.

Without him, Belgium could have lost. Instead, they escaped with a draw.

On the other side, Dodi Lukebakio was one of Belgium’s few bright spots. Jeremy Doku missed the game due to illness. Therefore, Lukebakio had to add pace and energy to the attack.

He did create danger at times. However, Belgium still could not score.

Belgium’s golden generation looks tired

After two matches, Belgium have only two points. They also have no wins at World Cup 2026.

Even so, they still control their own fate. If Belgium beat New Zealand in the final group match, they will reach the Round of 32.

However, their form is worrying. De Bruyne no longer looks able to carry the team alone. Lukaku also had another quiet match.

Because of this, many fans may feel that Belgium’s golden generation is near its end. The team still has quality. Yet the spark is missing.

Iran, meanwhile, can feel proud. They defended well, attacked with purpose, and almost won the match. In addition, they remain in the race for the knockout stage.

Belgium may still go through. However, this 0-0 draw showed a clear problem. The Red Devils are still far from their best.