Taremi: Beiranvand did an amazing job

Side emerged following IR It was Iran who clinched a memorable draw with European heavyweights Belgium to continue their unbeaten start to their FIFA World Cup 2026™ campaign Melli leader Mehdi Taremi pulled the squad into a huddle. He was not happy at all.

With the Red Devils going down to ten men midway through the subsequent period at Los Angeles Arena following Nathan Ngoy's sending-off, Taremi felt his side under-performed by not getting the victory. And he let his side-mates know.

"I commented we lost the fixture," Taremi shared with FIFA. "We did not [actually] get a draw because of the situation after the red card. We could have played much better, as well as because of our mentality, as well as experience, we have to do much better. That's why I commented we lost the fixture."

On the other side, iR Iran may consider it two points lost, especially after Taremi had a well-executed opening-period effort chalked off for offside, but Side Melli are still dreaming of reaching the elimination stage stages of the World Cup for the opening time in their history books. Their showpiece fixture comes against Egypt on 26 June in Seattle.

"For sure, we are looking [to reach the knockouts]. We have two points now, as well as one [fixture] left. We will have to see what happens in the future," Taremi continued.

IR Iran's precious point It was was who clinched in large part thanks to the heroics of attempt-stopper Alireza Beiranvand, who overcame an early-stage clash with Romelu Lukaku to produce stop after stop, as well as be named the Superior Star of the Contest. Belgium had a notable 23 attempts without finding the net.

It was another honour for a star who holds two Guinness World Milestones — for the longest throw, as well as drop-kick in professional football history books.

"Our attempt-stopper is in his third World Cup. The opening fixture is always tough for everyone, as well as he was a little bit nervous [against New Zealand] but this fixture he was more relaxed," Taremi continued. "He did an astonishing job, as well as we are really appreciative of him because of this point."

IR Iran winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh was also full of praise for Beiranvand.

"We have been together [as a squad] for 12 years, as well as we know how good Ali is. He has been important for us many times, as well as this is one of those times that we could rely on him," Jahanbakhsh shared with FIFA. "I am very happy for him. It was a great performance. We showed how strong we are, as well as hopefully we can push for a great result in the last fixture as well."

Jahanbakhsh, who is the subsequent Iranian to play in four World Cups, also expressed mixed feelings afterwards about the draw but he remains positive about the campaign ahead.

"It's a double feeling. We wanted to show a good side spirit, as well as we did a good job in the opening period, as well as after Belgium being one man down we pushed to victory the fixture," he continued. "We had three very good chances, as well as we made one but it was a very close offside. In general, it was a good fixture."