IRAN HOLD BELGIUM TO GOALLESS DRAW IN WORLD CUP GROUP MATCH

Iran and Belgium drew 0-0 in a World Cup group match at an unspecified stadium. Belgium finished the match with ten players after Nathan Ngoy was sent off for fouling Mehdi Taremi. Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand made a save to deny Maxim De Cuyper from close range in the closing stages of the first half, after Kevin De Bruyne delivered a cross into the six-yard box.

De Bruyne created chances for Belgium throughout the match, including one in which he controlled Leandro Trossard's pass on the byline. Romelu Lukaku, who started the fixture, became Belgium's third-most capped player in international football. Iran's Ali Nemati blocked one cross as the Belgian attack pressed for an opening. Belgium exited the group stage at the previous World Cup four years earlier.

Iran played their opening group match against New Zealand at the same stadium. After that fixture, Iran's delegation were advised they could not remain overnight and would need to travel back to their base in Tijuana, Mexico. FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited Iran's dressing room following that match. If Iran progress to the knockout stage, it would mark their first appearance at that level of the World Cup.