Alireza Beiranvand kept a clean sheet with seven saves as Iran and Belgium settled for a 0-0 draw in Los Angeles. The Red Devils went down to 10 men when defender Nathan Ngoy was sent off in the 66th minute for a reckless back‑pass and foul on Mehdi Taremi. Both sides finished with a second consecutive, hard‑fought group‑stage stalemate.

Iran’s campaign has been hampered by U.S. travel bans and a forced base shift from Arizona to Mexico, forcing the squad to leave Los Angeles hours after each game. Despite a vocal diaspora crowd waving Lion and Sun flags, the team still could not convert early chances, including a set‑piece that saw Taremi ruled offside after video review.

Belgium remain unbeaten in their last 15 competitive outings but have failed to score in two World Cup matches, their last goal coming from an own‑goal against Egypt. With Lukaku returning after a hamstring layoff and Doku absent through illness, the Red Devils will leave the group still searching for a breakthrough. Iran, meanwhile, departs without points but with a resilient defensive display.