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Iran's forward Mehdi Taremi wearing the jersey of Belgium's midfielder Hans Vanaken talks with his teammates at the end of the 2026 World Cup Group G match at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 21, 2026. [Etienne Laurent / AFP]
Coach Amir Ghalenoei hailed Iran's unbeaten start to the World Cup as a "great achievement" that will be remembered by future generations, following a 0-0 draw with Belgium on Sunday.
Having arrived at the tournament under the shadow of war between Tehran and Washington, Iran have drawn both their opening games, and remain in with a chance to qualify for the knockout rounds for the first time.
Ghalenoei praised his players for holding Belgium, ranked 10th in the world, to a stalemate in Los Angeles on Sunday despite facing the strain of considerable visa and travel restrictions in the United States.
