Belgium Faces Pressure After Scoreless Tie With Iran

Belgium came into the World Cup ranked No. 10 in the world, and the team now has everything on the line after Sunday’s scoreless tie with Iran.

Rudi Garcia, head coach of Belgium, reacts after the 0-0 draw during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match between Belgium and IR Iran at Los Angeles Stadium on in Inglewood, Calif., on June 21, 2026. Stu Forster/Getty Images

Coming into the World Cup ranked No. 10, Belgium had high expectations. But two ties in its opening two games have left the team facing a decisive match against New Zealand in the Group G finale.

“Sometimes you have to win, and in this situation you have to win,” Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia told reporters after a 0–0 draw with Iran on Sunday. “Obviously, I would have wished to start better but this is part of life.”