Belgium World Cup 2026: Courtois Says It’s All Or Nothing After Iran Draw

Belgium’s World Cup hopes are now on a knife edge, with Thibaut Courtois warning it is "all or nothing" after a frustrating 0-0 draw against Iran, a match where Belgium dominated the ball and chances but again failed to find a breakthrough in front of goal.

Courtois stressed that Belgium must react against New Zealand on 26 June, knowing a victory would still secure a top-two finish in Group G, yet also warned that the team cannot underestimate opponents after another reminder of how tight World Cup football can become.

Rudi Garcia’s side sit third in Group G, trailing second-placed Iran, who face Egypt in their final group match but remain within reach of top spot, while Belgium’s route is clear, as three points against New Zealand would guarantee progress, despite recent struggles in front of goal.

Iran’s position reflects consistent work across the tournament, and Ardeshir Ghalenoei praised the squad’s response to difficult preparation. "We came into the World Cup under the worst possible conditions," Ghalenoei told reporters, highlighting how results against experienced opposition have strengthened belief ahead of a key meeting with Egypt.

Belgium recorded 70.1% possession and produced 23 attempts, generating 1.79 expected goals, yet still could not score against Iran’s disciplined defence, while Nathan Ngoy’s red card added further difficulty as the game progressed and increased pressure on Belgium’s already tense World Cup campaign.

Those 23 efforts represent Belgium’s highest shot count without scoring at a World Cup since 1994, when Belgium had 28 attempts against Saudi Arabia, and the current run is also notable, with 69 shots taken at these finals since Michy Batshuayi’s goal against Canada in 2022.

World Cup Group G: Courtois assesses Belgium’s problems and New Zealand test

Courtois explained how Iran’s game plan clogged space and limited clear chances. "Iran played in a block, even lower and more closed than we had expected. They played in a sort of 5-4-1. That made it difficult," the Real Madrid goalkeeper said after another goalless outing.

Courtois then turned focus to the decisive match. "We absolutely have to win against New Zealand. Although I expect a similar match with eleven men in the box. If we score, the game will open up. [Against Iran] we lacked some precision on the counter-attack. Now it’s all or nothing."

The goalkeeper underlined that Belgium’s technical level should still count, yet World Cup pressure narrows margins. "We’re better than New Zealand, but it’s always more difficult in a World Cup. Just look at the 0-0 draw between Spain and Cape Verde or the 0-0 draw between Ecuador and Curacao," Courtois added.

On the Iran side, Ghalenoei focused on how performances have grown under difficult circumstances. "And still we got a result against a great team and a great manager. We played a beautiful game. We had two great games without losing. Tonight [after Belgium draw], we celebrate. Tomorrow, we focus on Egypt, which is a very strong team."

Belgium now enter the final Group G round under heavy pressure, needing goals at last to match heavy shot counts, while Iran prepare for Egypt with confidence from two unbeaten games, leaving qualification and top spot finely balanced ahead of two crucial World Cup fixtures.