Belgium 0–0 Iran: 10-man Belgium's goal drought continues as Beiranvand stars

Belgium were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Iran in their Group G encounter in Los Angeles, dominating possession and chances but failing to score for a second straight match. Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand was named Player of the Match after making seven saves, including a remarkable point-blank reflex stop to deny Maxim De Cuyper just before the hour, while Thibaut Courtois matched him at the other end with sharp stops from Hossein Kanani and Taremi. Iran had the ball in the net through Mehdi Taremi from a cleverly-worked first-half free kick, but the goal was ruled out by VAR for offside.

Belgium's afternoon got worse on 66 minutes when centre-back Nathan Ngoy was sent off, hauling down Taremi after a badly mishit back-pass left the striker racing through on goal, denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. Despite racking up shots and a heavy xG advantage, the Red Devils could not break through, extending a tournament goal drought in which their only score so far had come via an own goal in the opening draw with Egypt. The result left Iran top of Group G and Belgium second, both on two points with all four teams still able to advance heading into the final matchday.