By Izuchukwu Okosi
Belgium’s golden generation would need to claim a victory in their last group game of the 2026 World Cup against New Zealand.
The Red Devils and Iran are still both seeking their first win of this FIFA World Cup following a goalless draw in Los Angeles on Sunday night.
Belgium were shockingly eliminated in the group stage of the World Cup in the previous edition hosted by Qatar.
Sunday’s game was marked by some terrific saves from goalkeepers Thibaut Courtois and Alireza Beiranvand, with Rudi Garcia’s side dominating possession but ending up with ten men after the dismissal of centre-back Nathan Ngoy.
Belgium began this Group G encounter without Jeremy Doku due to illness albeit he also hopes to be with his family over the birth of his first child, and had Romelu Lukaku starting up front – his first start for club or country since 9 June last year.
Yet for all their possessions and crosses and cutbacks, the closest they got to an early goal was a strong near-post drive by Youri Tielemans beaten away by goalkeeper Beiranvand.
Both teams have drawn twice this far with Belgium as it stands likely to face Australia in the round of 32 and Iran set to square off with the Czechia Republic.
