Belgium held scoreless by Iran, World Cup 2026 qualification in doubt

Belgium is struggling to get its 2026 World Cup campaign off to a strong start. After the draw against Egypt (1-1), the Red Devils were held to a stalemate again, this time by Iran (0-0) on Sunday evening in Los Angeles, in the second match of Group G.

Started by Rudi Garcia following his decisive appearance against the Pharaohs, Romelu Lukaku was unable to break the deadlock. Absent due to illness, Jérémy Doku was missed, and Belgium struggled to create danger. In the first half, the Iranians even had the best chances, including a goal disallowed for offside against Mehdi Taremi in the 25th minute, while the Red Devils possessed only 19% of the ball.

After the break, an exceptional save by goalkeeper Alireza Beiravend on an attempt by Maxim De Cuyper (59th minute) maintained the status quo. Belgium then complicated matters for itself: Nathan Ngoy received a red card in the 67th minute after a reckless foul following a poor back pass.

Paradoxically, Iran, forced to manage its numerical advantage, became less incisive at eleven against ten. De Cuyper had another chance in the 86th minute, and Dodi Lukebakio saw his shot skim the crossbar in added time (90+5), but the score remained unchanged.

With three draws in as many matches in Group G, the situation remains open for all teams. Belgium is not yet in danger: a victory against New Zealand in the final match would secure qualification. But for first place, the results of Egypt and Iran will also be decisive.