Belgium hold Iran to a 0-0 draw at FIFA World Cup 2026

A fiercely competitive affair ended level at 0-0 as Belgium and Iran shared the points at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California on another dramatic evening of World Cup football.

For all the effort and industry on display, neither side could find a way through. The goalkeepers — both excellent throughout — denied their opponents on multiple occasions.

Belgium edged the territorial battle, finishing with 70.1% possession against their opponent's 29.9%. The shot count read 23 to 7 — Belgium showed greater menace in the final third but the numbers only tell part of the story.

A point each moves both Belgium and Iran onto the board, though neither will feel entirely satisfied. In the expanded 2026 format — 48 teams across 12 groups, with 32 advancing — even a draw can prove vital come the final group standings.

With 48 teams making this the largest World Cup in history, the group stage alone delivers an extraordinary volume of high-stakes international football. The United States, Canada and Mexico have already produced unforgettable atmospheres — and there is plenty more to come.