Iran’s national football team played to a 0:0 draw against Belgium in their second group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Iranians are still holding onto their hopes of making it to the tournament’s knockout rounds. The game took place in Inglewood.
Even before the match started, Iran made history by fielding the oldest starting lineup ever seen in a World Cup. The average age of their starting players was 32 years and 181 days. Only three team members were younger than 30: defender Saleh Hardani (27 years, 177 days), midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi (29 years, 263 days), and Rostov forward Mohammad Mohebi (27 years, 183 days). The previous record, dating back to 1998, had belonged to Germany. Back then, their average age for a starting lineup in a group stage match against Iran (which they won 2:0) was 31 years and 334 days.
Mohebi had previously achieved a milestone by becoming the first player from the Russian Premier League (RPL) to score a goal at this World Cup. In the last round, Iran drew 2:2 with New Zealand, while Belgium also had a 1:1 draw with Egypt. In this game, Mohebi didn’t manage any decisive actions and was substituted after playing for 66 minutes.
The Iranians had a chance to take the lead midway through the first half. In the 27th minute, following a free-kick setup, Olympiacos striker and Iran international Mehdi Taremi found the back of the net. However, the goal was disallowed after the referee received a cue from the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.
Goalkeepers have often been the heroes of this World Cup, and this time was no exception. Iran’s goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand delivered an outstanding performance, making 7 saves—matching the number of shots his fellow goalkeeper, Vozinha, blocked in a 0:0 draw against Spain. Beiranvand’s most memorable save came in the second half when Belgian defender Maxim De Cuyper took a close-range shot on target. Despite already lying on the ground, the goalkeeper stretched out his arm to stop the ball from hitting the net. Beiranvand was named the Player of the Match.
Belgium found themselves down to ten men in the 66th minute. Defender Nathan Ngoy made a mistake in his pass to goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, resulting in the ball falling to an opponent. Ngoy was forced to commit a foul, which earned him a straight red card for a last-man challenge. Iran couldn’t capitalize on their numerical advantage, and the game ended 0:0.
A chance to make history: Iran is participating in the World Cup for the seventh time. So far, they have never advanced past the group stage. This tournament features 48 teams for the first time. The top two teams from each group, as well as the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout rounds.
Iran now leads Group G with 2 points from two games. Belgium also has the same number of points. The match between their group rivals, Egypt and New Zealand, is scheduled for the night of June 22nd, Moscow time.
In the final round of the group stage, Egypt will face Iran, and Belgium will take on New Zealand. These games are set for the night of June 27th. The World Cup is being hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico and will conclude on July 19th. Argentina is the reigning world champion.
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