Hoping to give their aging "golden generation" one more run at global glory, Belgium have been one of the more disappointing teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After drawing with Egypt 1-1 in their opener, needing a second-half own-goal to earn the point, the Red Devils had work to do if they wished to finish atop Group G as they were expected to do.
Instead, they went backwards as they sputtered to a 0-0 draw against Iran in their second group game Sunday from SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. It was a poor performance overall, as they struggled to create good chances on net and were occasionally vulnerable on the counter down the other end.
The Sporting News explains what effect this result could have on their group standings, and why USMNT fans will be keeping a keen eye on how this group wraps up the rest of the way.
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What does Belgium draw mean for Group G standings?
Belgium's disappointing draw with Iran has left them in a difficult but recoverable position in Group G.
The Red Devils were held in check by Iran for most of the game, with their goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois the busier of the two netminders.
Because Belgium have New Zealand, the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, as their last opponent in group play, they are still expected to top the table, but they are now vulnerable, especially if Egypt defeat New Zealand later today and take charge of the standings.
Group G table
| Pos. | Team | PTS | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Iran | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| 2. | Belgium | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 3. | New Zealand | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| 4. | Egypt | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Group G fixtures
| Date | Time (ET) | Match | Location |
| Mon, Jun. 15 | 3 p.m. | Belgium 1-1 Egypt | Lumen Field (Seattle, WA) |
| Mon, Jun. 15 | 9 p.m. | Iran 2-2 New Zealand | SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA) |
| Sun, Jun. 21 | 3 p.m. | Belgium 0-0 Iran | SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA) |
| Sun, Jun. 21 | 9 p.m. | New Zealand vs. Egypt | BC Place (Vancouver, CAN) |
| Fri, Jun. 26 | 11 p.m. | New Zealand vs. Belgium | BC Place (Vancouver, CAN) |
| Fri, Jun. 26 | 11 p.m. | Egypt vs. Iran | Lumen Field (Seattle, WA) |
What does Belgium draw mean for USMNT knockout bracket?
USMNT fans will have a special eye on Group G for one key reason.
With the United States already confirmed to have won Group D, they have been slotted into their position in the knockout bracket. They will face a third-place qualifier on July 1 in Santa Clara in the Round of 32, and should they advance from that round, they would face the winner of Group G in the Round of 16.
That means a clash with Belgium is very likely for the United States, as long as both teams take care of business from here on out.
The draw between Belgium and Iran also leaves one very intriguing possibility on the table, as Iran could still theoretically win Group G and take that spot Belgium were expected to occupy. If that happens, there's a strong chance the United States could meet Iran in the quarterfinals, which would be a highly interesting matchup given the geopolitical climate and cold relationship between the two countries.