Belgium 0-0 Iran: VAR rules out a goal, and a red card still cannot change the score

In the second round of the 2026 World Cup group stage, Belgium and Iran finished level at 0-0. The closest either side came to changing the score in the first half was in the 25th minute, when M. Taremi’s goal was disallowed for offside after a VAR review, leaving the match tied at 0-0 at halftime.

After the restart, the scoreline still did not move. In the 66th minute, Belgium’s N. Ngoy was shown a red card, which altered the balance on the pitch, but neither team was able to turn that into a goal and the final whistle confirmed a 0-0 draw.

On the statistical side, Belgium had 70% possession compared with Iran’s 30%. Expected goals were 1.80 for Belgium and 0.63 for Iran. Belgium produced 23 shots to Iran’s 7, with 7 on target to Iran’s 3. Passing accuracy was 86% for Belgium and 74% for Iran. Belgium won 4 corners to Iran’s 2, while offside calls were 3 for Belgium and 4 for Iran. Belgium made 3 saves, Iran 7, and the foul count stood at 7 for Belgium and 9 for Iran.

In the previous round, Belgium drew 1-1 with Egypt in Matchday 1 of the group stage, while Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand in Matchday 1.

Next, Belgium will face New Zealand in Matchday 3 of the group stage on 2026-06-27, and Iran will meet Egypt on the same day in Matchday 3.