A tie without any goals scored in Inglewood: Belgium managed to stay in the minority, while Iran set…

A draw without goals in Inglewood: Belgium managed to stay in the minority, while Iran set a new age record during the tournament.

The second-round match of the 2026 World Cup group stage between the teams of Iran and Belgium ended in a tactically well-planned draw, with no goals scored. The match at the stadium in Inglewood was a real test of character for both teams. Each team had a chance to win, but ultimately, both teams were satisfied with just one point each.

A key moment occurred in the 25th minute. Mehdi Taremi scored a precise goal, but the referee ruled that the goal was offside. The goal was disallowed, and the game returned to its original state. In the 66th minute, the balance of power changed drastically. Belgium’s defender, Nathan Ngoy, received a direct red card, leaving his team in the minority. Despite having the numerical advantage, the Iranians couldn’t break through the strong defense of the “Red Devils”. The Iranians switched to a formation with three central defenders, effectively controlling the penalty area.

In Belgium’s starting lineup, Thibaut Courtois and Romelu Lukaku took the field. The goalkeeper managed to keep the score at zero, showing excellent reflexes in several critical moments. As for the forward, despite being under heavy pressure and being frequently sent into the penalty area, he couldn’t find a way to score a goal.

Of particular note is the historical context of this match. Iran’s starting lineup had the highest average age of any team in history, at 32 years and 181 days. Among them was Mohammad Mohibbi, a midfielder from Rostov, who brought tactical discipline and experience to the team.

In the final round of the group stage, Iran will face Egypt, while Belgium will test its strength against New Zealand. Both teams still have a chance to qualify for the playoffs. But to do so, they need to make the most of their opportunities and maintain a high level of discipline in the decisive matches.