Ten-Man Belgium Stumble as Iran Hold On for Point
Nathan Ngoy’s red card left Belgium with ten men as Beiranvand made seven saves to keep Group G wide open.
Ngoy’s Rush Foul on Taremi Hands Iran the Advantage
Belgium’s World Cup 2026 campaign hit a major stumbling block in Los Angeles as Nathan Ngoy’s red card reduced them to ten men and Iran’s heroic goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand kept Roberto Martinez’s side at bay in a goalless draw. Belgium hammered 23 shots at Iran’s goal without finding the net, with Beiranvand in inspired form. The result leaves Group G tangled and wide open heading into the final matchday.
The pivotal moment came when a badly mishit back-pass left Ngoy in no-man’s land with Mehdi Taremi bearing down on goal. The defender’s desperate challenge gave the referee no choice — a straight red card that changed the entire dynamic. Belgium, already frustrated by Iran’s resilient defensive block, suddenly faced an even greater task, and despite their best efforts, never found a way through Beiranvand’s wall.
Iran Goalkeeper Delivers a World-Class Show-Stopping Display
Alireza Beiranvand was the undisputed man of the match, making seven saves to protect Iran’s clean sheet and stun Belgium’s attack into submission. The goalkeeper’s distribution, positioning and reflexes were outstanding throughout, denying Belgium chance after chance in a performance that will live long in Iranian football memory. Iran, who sit top of Group G on two points, carry genuine belief into a final matchday that will determine their World Cup fate.
Group G is beautifully poised with all four teams still capable of advancing. Belgium must regroup without the suspended Ngoy and find their finishing touch. Iran, energised by Beiranvand’s heroics in Los Angeles, will believe a first World Cup knockout since 2006 is well within reach.
