2026 World Cup: Iran Nearly Pulls Off an Upset in Los Angeles; Courtois Saves Belgium. Lukaku Struggles

Belgium’s World Cup campaign fails to take off: Rudi Garcia’s team could only manage a 0-0 draw in their second Group G match against Iran. The Red Devils, who had drawn with Egypt in their opener, are tied with Iran at two points in a group that’s more wide open than ever.

Belgium struggled mightily in the first half: the Red Devils looked lackluster, and in the first 45 minutes, it was the Iranians who shone brightest in Los Angeles, despite the technical disparity. After an early chance by De Bruyne, it was Iran that created the most danger: in the 14th minute, Kanani had a great opportunity, but Courtois saved his team with an instinctive stop. In the 24th minute, Taremi scored the opening goal off a free kick, but the goal was disallowed due to a millimeter-thin offside call.

Belgium picked up the pace in the second half, but their attacks were disorganized and ineffective, failing to create any clear-cut chances. The pattern didn’t change in the second half; Lukaku, isolated, was never set up, and when he did get the ball at his feet, he squandered it, highlighting a clear lack of match sharpness. In the 52nd minute, Courtois was once again decisive in stopping Taremi’s volley. Rudi Garcia decided to shake things up by bringing on Castagne, Lukebakio, and Vanaken for Meunier, Raskin, and Salemaekers. Belgium immediately created two very dangerous chances through Vanaken and De Cuyper, but Iran’s goalkeeper Beiranvand saved them all.

In the 64th minute, a cold shower for Belgium: Ngoy misplaced a back pass, then brought down Taremi as he was bearing down on goal and was sent off. The Europeans were down to 10 men for the final half-hour of the match, and Garcia decided to take out Lukaku and bring in Theate. Iran clearly took control of the field, while the Red Devils waited to counterattack.

Belgium was in danger, but Courtois made a decisive save on Ezatolahi’s shot from the edge of the box. Ghalenoei goes all out and brings in another forward, Hosseinzadeh, for the final push. Iran pushes too far forward, and Belgium has a great chance in the 85th minute, but Beiranvand denies De Cuyper. The match ends scoreless.