JAKARTA, JOURNALARTA.COM – Belgium failed to win in their Group G opener at the 2026 World Cup. The clash with Iran ended 0-0, a result that immediately tightened the standings in the group.
This was not just a bad result for Belgium. The dropped points on matchday 1 now leave them level with Iran on one point each, while Egypt sits at the top with three points after beating New Zealand 3-1.
Belgium Dominated, Iran Stayed Disciplined
Belgium controlled the match from the start. Possession was above 60 percent, with several attempts from long-range shots and repeated crosses into Iran’s penalty area.
But Iran was not easy to break down. Their back line stayed compact and disciplined, absorbing pressure after pressure from Belgium. Whenever a gap opened, Iran looked to quick counterattacks down the wings, though their finishing was not sharp enough to change the scoreline.
The second half opened up more. The tempo rose. Belgium introduced more attacking players, while Iran added more defensive midfield cover. Big chances appeared at both ends between the 70th and 85th minute, but neither side could convert. The final whistle confirmed it: 0-0.
Complete statistical data for shots, shots on target, corners, and offsides is still awaiting official release from Opta and FIFA.
Group G Standings After Matchday 1
The result puts Belgium and Iran in the same position. Egypt is well ahead.
| Pos | Team | Played | W | D | L | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Egypt | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +2 | 3 |
| 2 | Belgium | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 3 | Iran | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -2 | 0 |
Egypt now sits comfortably at the top. Belgium and Iran are level on points and goal difference. New Zealand is bottom with no points.
What It Means for the Race to the Round of 16
For Egypt, this result is a clear boost. They need just one more point from their remaining two matches to secure a spot in the round of 16.
Belgium? A win is mandatory in the next matchday. If they draw again, their fate will depend on goal difference and results elsewhere, a scenario no team of Belgium’s quality wants to face.
Iran is in a similar position. A win would mean qualification with confidence. A draw would send them into a complicated points tiebreaker with no certainty.
New Zealand has the toughest path. They must win both remaining matches and hope other results go their way.
Group G has now become one of the most open groups at the 2026 World Cup. One win on the final matchday could change everything, and all group-stage final matches are played simultaneously under FIFA regulations to preserve fair play.
How to Watch and What Comes Next
For anyone who missed the match, TVRI Sport HD aired the replay. Viewers can access it through TVRI Klik at tvriklik.com, then select TVRI Sport HD and use the rewind feature for up to 24 hours back.
The next Group G fixtures are Belgium vs Egypt and Iran vs New Zealand. The official schedule and kick-off times in WIB are still awaiting FIFA’s announcement, so keep following updates from official sources or the TVRI Sport HD channel.
For time conversion, all schedules use WIB with PDT plus 15 hours.
Quick Recap
Final score: Belgium 0-0 Iran (2026 World Cup Group G, matchday 1). Standings: Egypt 3 points, Belgium and Iran 1 point each, New Zealand 0. Next matchday: Belgium vs Egypt and Iran vs New Zealand, with times to be announced by FIFA. Replay: TVRI Sport HD via tvriklik.com, with a 24-hour rewind feature.
To view live scores and schedules, analysis, predictions, games, and the latest 2026 World Cup news, visit: JournalArta Special Event https://journalarta.com/piala-dunia-2026/
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