Belgian hopes to secure an early place in the World Cup they suffered a setback in the knockout stage after playing to a goalless draw Iran in their second group stage match.
The Red Devils were unable to find a breakthrough despite long possessions, with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois making several important saves to avoid defeat for Belgium.
The result leaves Rudi Garcia’s side with two points from their first two matches and needing a positive result in their final group game against New Zealand.
Courtois keeps Belgium level
Belgium controlled much of the ball during a scrappy first half but struggled to create clear openings against a disciplined Iranian defence.
Iran looked the more dangerous side on the counter-attack and almost took the lead when Hossein Kanaani forced Courtois into an impressive save.
Mehdi Taremi also thought he had given Iran the lead, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review for offside.
At the other end, Youri Tielemans and Maxim De Cuyper tested goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand, but Belgium failed to convert their territorial dominance into goals.
A red card destroys Belgium’s hopes
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Courtois again called into action to deny Taremi as Iran continued to threaten.
Belgium came close to opening the scoring when Kevin De Bruyne found De Cuyper in the penalty area with a shot, but Beiranvand made a brilliant save from close range.
The contest turned further in Iran’s favor midway through the half when Nathan Ngoy was sent off.
Ngoy misjudged the return pass and, as Taremi raced towards goal, he pulled the striker back to prevent a clear goal-scoring opportunity. The referee retaliated with a red card.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Belgium were still looking for a winner. De Cuyper went close again, but Beiranvand stood firm and saved the goal for Iran.
The qualifying race remains open
The draw means Belgium remain winless after two games and face New Zealand in their final group game if they are to be assured of a place in the last 16.
Iran, meanwhile, produced another disciplined performance and remain firmly in contention for passage from the group as the tournament approaches its decisive stage.
