Iran hold Belgium as Ghalenoei praises resilience amid travel strain

Iran drew 0-0 with Belgium at SoFi Stadium, taking a valuable point from a higher-ranked opponent and remaining unbeaten after two Group G matches. Coach Amir Ghalenoei said the performance showed the team’s quality despite difficult preparation.

Ghalenoei cited compressed travel, visa-related complications and limited training time as major obstacles around the match. Iran had been based in Tijuana, traveled into the United States shortly before facing Belgium, and were expected to return to Mexico soon after the game.

Alireza Beiranvand was central to the result, making several important saves, including a second-half stop after a Kevin De Bruyne delivery created danger across the Iran goalmouth. Ghalenoei and Alireza Jahanbakhsh both highlighted the goalkeeper’s role in preserving the point.

Iran now have two points after draws with New Zealand and Belgium. Their final group match against Egypt in Seattle could decide whether they reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, making recovery and logistics a major part of the story as much as tactics.