Belgium’s chances of reaching the World Cup knockout stages suffered another blow after a determined Iran side held them to a 0-0 draw in Los Angeles, leaving the European nation facing a tense final group match.
The Red Devils, who also drew their opening game, now risk a second consecutive group-stage elimination. Victory over New Zealand in their final Group G fixture would guarantee progression, but any slip-up could leave their fate out of their hands.
Belgium started brightly and nearly broke the deadlock within five minutes when Kevin De Bruyne delivered an inviting cross into the box, but Romelu Lukaku failed to make contact. The striker, making his first start since June 2025, struggled to impose himself and appeared short of sharpness throughout the contest.
Iran, meanwhile, continued to defy expectations despite logistical challenges that have restricted them to arriving in the United States only a day before each match. The result marked the first time in the nation’s history that they have avoided defeat in their opening two World Cup games.
Belgium controlled possession and created opportunities, registering 23 attempts on goal, but were repeatedly denied by an inspired performance from goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand. The Iranian keeper produced a series of crucial saves, including an outstanding stop to prevent Maxim De Cuyper from converting after a moment of brilliance from De Bruyne early in the second half.
Iran briefly thought they had taken the lead midway through the first half when Mehdi Taremi finished a well-worked free-kick routine. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside.
The frustration grew for Belgium when young defender Nathan Ngoy was sent off, further complicating their efforts to find a breakthrough. Despite their numerical disadvantage, they continued to push forward but could not find a way past Beiranvand.
The scoreless first half also extended an unwanted trend, with Belgium now failing to score before the interval in four consecutive World Cup matches. Their 23 shots without finding the net represented their highest total in a World Cup game without scoring since 1994.
The draw also intensified scrutiny on Belgium’s veteran stars. For more than a decade, the country’s so-called “Golden Generation” was expected to challenge for major international honours. Led by players such as Eden Hazard, Lukaku, De Bruyne, Vincent Kompany, Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld, Belgium reached the 2018 World Cup semi-finals but never delivered the trophy many predicted.
Now, with Lukaku aged 33 and De Bruyne 34, questions are growing over whether injuries and age have diminished the influence of two of the team’s most important figures. Both players missed significant parts of the club season with hamstring problems and struggled to dictate proceedings against Iran.
While De Bruyne still produced flashes of quality, including the move that created Belgium’s best chance of the match, the overall performance highlighted the challenges facing a side trying to recapture past promise.
With one group match remaining, Belgium’s hopes of avoiding another disappointing World Cup exit remain alive, but the pressure is mounting on a team still searching for the consistency that has eluded them on the biggest stage.