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Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne, front, tries control the ball past Iran's Hossein Kanani during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Belgium and Iran in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, on June 21, 2026. Andre Penner/AP Photo
INGLEWOOD, Calif.—Iran’s World Cup has been tumultuous off the field, and its play on the pitch still hasn’t produced a victory.
Yet Team Melli’s dream of advancing to a World Cup knockout round for the first time is still very much alive, thanks to an afternoon of brilliance from goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand in a 0–0 draw with Belgium on Sunday.