After a 0-0 draw against Belgium in Los Angeles on 21/6, Iran secured two points from two Group G matches. They had previously drawn with New Zealand in their opener. This result significantly improves their chances of advancing to the knockout stage before their final group match against Egypt.

Coach Amir Ghalenoei reacts during Iran's 0-0 draw against Belgium in Group G of the 2026 World Cup at Inglewood Stadium, near Los Angeles, California, US on 21/6. *AP*

For Ghalenoei, the players' resilience under unique circumstances is paramount. "We lived under wartime conditions for six months, and the national league could not proceed normally," the Iran coach stated after the Belgium match. "Many opponents also canceled our pre-arranged friendly matches." Iran had only one FIFA Days window before the World Cup. To play their few friendly matches, the team endured a 40-hour road trip to Antalya, Turkey. Unlike many major teams with stable schedules, Iran entered the tournament without adequate test matches or ideal preparation. "We came to the World Cup in the worst possible conditions," Ghalenoei added.

The challenges continued once the tournament began. Iran is based in Tijuana, Mexico, but their matches are held in the US. Due to entry visa regulations, the team is permitted to fly to the US only on match days and must depart immediately after the game. After the draw in Los Angeles, the team immediately returned to Tijuana by plane, unlike other teams who could stay to rest and recover. "We were only here for about 16 hours," Ghalenoei noted. "The players lacked sufficient recovery time. We needed to rest and prepare for the next match, but instead, we had to head back to the airport for Tijuana."

Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand makes a save during the 0-0 draw against Belgium in Group G of the 2026 World Cup at Inglewood Stadium, near Los Angeles, California, US on 21/6. *AP*

Iran also had reasons to regret not securing three points. Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand emerged as a hero, making a crucial save from Maxim De Cuyper's close-range shot in the 59th minute. Even while on the ground, Beiranvand extended himself to block the shot.

Beiranvand's save

From the 66th minute, Iran gained a numerical advantage after Belgium defender Nathan Ngoy received a direct red card for denying a clear scoring opportunity for Mehdi Taremi. Despite continuous pressure in the final 20 minutes, the Asian side could not find a decisive goal.

Despite this, the draw is considered a success for Iran. Belgium, who dominated possession and were favored before the match, failed to break through Iran's disciplined defense. Ghalenoei praised his players for their unwavering fighting spirit. Drawing against a top 10 team like Belgium at the 2026 World Cup represents a significant achievement for Iran. The 63-year-old coach believes Iran's accomplishments will be long remembered in football history. "What we achieve at this World Cup will be written into Iranian football history. Future generations will still talk about it," Ghalenoei emphasized.

Iran stands on the cusp of qualifying for the knockout stage for the first time since the 2018 World Cup. If Ghalenoei's squad defeats Egypt in their final match at 10h on Saturday, 27/6, they will secure their progression.

By Hoang An