Belgium sees red in goalless World Cup draw with Iran in Los Angeles | World Cup 2026

Nathan Ngoy was sent off for bringing down Mehdi Taremi, whose first-half strike was ruled offside in the Group G final.

Belgium warmed up against Iran in a disappointing game that saw the Red Devils reduced to 10 men and facing the possibility of a second successive World Cup exit.

A star-studded, albeit aging, lineup, including Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, had the chance to leave Los Angeles with a point on Sunday.

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Belgium dominated possession but gave away the best chances in Iran’s defensive game.

Iran’s Mehdi Taremi had the ball in the net from a well-worked first-half strike which was overturned by VAR, while Nathan Ngoy was sent off at the break for bringing down the striker following a poor clearance.

The result means that all three matches so far in Group G have ended in a draw. He persisted two pointsBelgium have the consolation of playing the lowest placed team in the tournament, New Zealand, in their final game.

Iran will also need a point against Egypt next Friday. After being frustrated by visa issues while walking from home base camp Mexico to play in the United States, Team Melli hopes to focus on football as travel restrictions are reportedly eased for their important trip to Seattle.

During the second Iran game, protesters from Los Angeles’ largest Iranian community gathered at the stadium to chant against the country’s current government.

Inside the stadium, the Iranian anthem also drew loud chants and whistles – a welcome that was not matched by the response of the players themselves, who were very excited throughout the game.

After five changes at the back, Iran stayed inside during the first half, allowing Belgium to dominate and play hundreds around their penalty area without creating any chances.

Target man Lukaku, who returned to the starting line-up after impressing from the bench as Belgium drew 1-1 with Egypt, managed a solo effort in the 36th minute, which went over the bar.

Iran had the best chances in the first half, against the run. Hossein Kanani’s low shot after a long throw was well saved by the outstretched Thibaut Courtois.

And Iran star striker Taremi had the ball in the net midway through the half after a clever free kick, but it was ruled offside.

The former Inter Milan man broke away from the Belgium wall, rolled and buried the ball, before VAR ruled out the effort, much to the chagrin of the Iran-speaking crowd.

After the break, Belgium continued to attack as Taremi almost scored at the other end. Courtois did well to save Kanani after a long shot from the Iranian player.

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia made three substitutions on the hour mark and his side went close, Maxim De Cuyper having an effort from De Bruyne’s well-cut header.

Substitute Hans Vanaken fired a shot over the bar moments later, as the Red Devils began knocking on Iran’s door in earnest.

But tragedy struck in Belgium when Ngoy was released. The centre-back made a mistimed pass to Courtois and raised his arm to Taremi as the striker headed across goal.

The game was tense, tense, even though De Cuyper came close with a low effort from outside the box.