Iran and Belgium played to a goalless draw on June 21 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles [1, 2, 3]. Both teams had drawn their opening group games, leaving Group G tightly contested with all four teams close on points [1, 4].
Belgium dominated possession, controlling between 59% and 65% of the ball, and outshot Iran 23 to 7 with seven shots on target. However, they failed to score [1, 5, 6]. Midway through the second half, Belgium defender Nathan Ngoy was sent off with a direct red card in the 66th minute for fouling an Iranian attacker following a passing error, making Belgium’s task more difficult [1, 5, 6].
Iran defended stoutly and showed strong resilience under difficult conditions. They faced travel restrictions and visa issues that forced them to base themselves in Tijuana, Mexico, entering the U.S. only a day before matches and leaving immediately after [3, 7, 4]. Iran’s head coach Amir Ghalenoei called it a "beautiful game" despite "possibly the worst conditions facing any team at this World Cup," citing visa problems and limited recovery time. He said, "My players have already done their best; now we need to recover well. 16 hours, two flights, and a high-intensity game — I don't think anyone can endure such pain" [2, 8].
Iran’s goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand was named man of the match after multiple key saves denied Belgium’s chances [1, 5, 6]. Belgium coach Rudi Garcia acknowledged his team created many opportunities but lacked "clinical finishing to win," and said playing 30 minutes a man down was "very difficult" [5, 6].
After the draw, both teams sit on two points from two matches. Belgium will face New Zealand on June 26 in Vancouver, while Iran plays Egypt the same day in Seattle in their final Group G games [1, 4, 8].
On June 22, the Iranian team left a handwritten thank-you note in the Los Angeles dressing room. It expressed gratitude for the city’s hospitality, pride in representing Iran, and called for peace, respect, and friendship among nations [3, 4, 8].
