INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Iran walked off the field at SoFi Stadium on Sunday with mixed emotions.
A 0-0 draw against Belgium kept Team Melli unbeaten through two matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and atop Group G, but there was also a lingering sense of what might have been.
For the second consecutive match in Los Angeles, Iran believed it had left points on the table.
After settling for a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in its tournament opener, Iran matched one of Europe’s traditional powers stride for stride and created several of the best scoring opportunities in a scoreless draw against Belgium. An offside call wiped away a first-half goal, and Iran threatened repeatedly after Belgium was reduced to 10 men in the second half.
"We could have even got more than what we got today," Iranian midfielder Alireza Jahanbakhsh said afterward. "The feeling in the dressing room is that we could have even got more than what we got today. But from the other side, we are very, very happy with the performance we had as a team."
The result leaves Iran in a remarkable position heading into its final Group G match against Egypt in Seattle.
A victory would likely secure first place in the group and send Iran into the knockout rounds. More importantly, it would give the nation a chance to advance beyond the group stage for the first time in World Cup history.
Iran has come agonizingly close before. It entered decisive final group matches against Portugal in 2018 and the United States in 2022 with knockout-round hopes alive, only to fall short.
This time, everything remains within reach.
"We have everything to play for," Jahanbakhsh said. "If we play like we did today, we have a great chance."
What has made Iran's performance even more impressive is the backdrop against which it has unfolded.
The team has spent much of the tournament based in Tijuana, Mexico, because of travel restrictions and visa limitations that have prevented Iran from operating under the same conditions as most other World Cup participants. Iranian players and coaches have repeatedly criticized a FIFA-approved arrangement that allows them less than 24 hours in host cities before matches.
Ahead of Sunday's game, Iran had just one training session and one media availability in Los Angeles.
Yet the adversity appears to have strengthened the squad.
"We don't ask for much," Jahanbakhsh said. "We just ask for the same procedure for all the other 47 teams. Hopefully we can bring everyone who is involved and helps us with us. I think that's just fairness for all the teams."
Veteran midfielder Saman Ghoddos said the circumstances have helped unite the team.
"This is part of our culture," Ghoddos said. "In difficult situations, we perform better. I think that united us even more. That's one of the things we've shown today."
Ghoddos also expressed gratitude to the people of Tijuana, where Iran has been welcomed warmly throughout the tournament.
"We keep hearing, 'Iran hermano mexicano,'" Ghoddos said. "That shows enough. Wherever we go, we hear this, which shows how much love they give us. It feels kind of home when we are there in Tijuana."
Sunday's result was built on a disciplined defensive performance and several crucial saves from goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand, who once again demonstrated why many Iranians consider him the greatest goalkeeper in the country's history.
Belgium pressed throughout stretches of the match but could not find a breakthrough, while Iran nearly stole all three points on several occasions.
The scoreless draw also showcased a team playing with purpose beyond the standings.
"We play for all the Iranians, in Iran and outside of Iran, whatever ideology, whatever preference they have," Jahanbakhsh said. "The most important thing we can do as a team is perform well, make sure we put our heart on the pitch and do everything to make them happy."
Now Iran heads to Seattle with history within touching distance.
After years of near misses on the world's biggest stage, Team Melli controls its own destiny.
"We've played together for 10, 12 years, some of us," Jahanbakhsh said. "Now is one of those times. It's really in our control to do what we have to do — firstly for our people back home, and then for ourselves."
One more result against Egypt could deliver something no Iranian team has ever achieved: a place in the World Cup knockout rounds.