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Rabat – Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand produced an impressive performance as his team held Belgium to a 0-0 draw in their second Group G match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Belgium controlled possession for long periods and created several chances, but Beiranvand remained calm under pressure and completed the match with six saves.
His performance helped Iran collect their second point of the tournament following their opening 2-2 draw with New Zealand.
Beiranvand Stops Belgium’s Early Pressure
Belgium started the match with intensity and quickly pushed Iran deep into their own half.
Beiranvand was tested early when Kevin De Bruyne directed an effort toward the goal. The Iranian goalkeeper made the save before reacting quickly to prevent Youri Tielemans from taking advantage of the loose ball.
He later pushed another Tielemans effort around his near post as Belgium continued to search for the opening goal.
Beiranvand also dealt confidently with crosses aimed at Romelu Lukaku, who was closely watched by Iran’s defenders throughout the match.
The goalkeeper’s positioning allowed him to collect several dangerous deliveries before Belgium’s forwards could reach them.
La atajada del Mundial.
A cargo de 🇮🇷 Alireza BeiranvandComo para no abrazarlo pic.twitter.com/5UFSRjIKel
— Claudio Lukerman (@ClaudioLukerman) June 21, 2026
Remarkable Reflex Save Denies De Cuyper
Beiranvand’s best moment came during the second half.
De Bruyne controlled a pass near the byline before sending a low cross into the penalty area. Iran defender Ali Nemati blocked the first attempt, but the ball fell to Maxim De Cuyper at close range.
The Belgian full-back appeared certain to score, but Beiranvand recovered from the ground and produced a sharp reflex save to push the shot away.
The stop was one of the finest saves of the match and kept Iran level during Belgium’s strongest attacking period.
Beiranvand later denied Dodi Lukebakio, moving quickly across his goal to palm away the Belgian substitute’s curling effort.
Twelve saves across two matches
The 33-year-old has now made 12 saves during Iran’s first two World Cup matches.
He recorded six stops against New Zealand after facing eight shots on target in Iran’s opening draw.
He added another six against Belgium while keeping his first clean sheet of the tournament.
Although Iran have yet to win, Beiranvand’s performances have helped the team remain unbeaten and competitive in a closely contested Group G.
Iran also threatens Courtois’ goal
Iran were not limited to defending.
Hossein Kanani forced Thibaut Courtois into an excellent first-half save, while Mehdi Taremi briefly appeared to have given Iran the lead from a clever free-kick routine.
However, the goal was disallowed following a VAR review after Taremi was ruled offside.
Iran received another opportunity when Belgium defender Nathan Ngoy was sent off in the 68th minute for bringing down Taremi as the striker moved toward goal.
Despite playing against 10 men during the closing stages, Iran could not find the winning goal.
The result leaves Iran with two points from two matches. They will complete their group campaign against Egypt, knowing that another strong performance could keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
Beiranvand’s form will once again be important as Iran prepare for their decisive final group fixture.
