Goalkeepers have already emerged as some of the biggest stars of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Cape Verde’s experienced shot-stopper Vojinha frustrated Spain with a memorable clean-sheet performance, while Curao captain Eloy Room produced a record-breaking performance to deny Ecuador. On Sunday, it was Alireza Beranvand’s turn to join that growing list.

Iran’s goalkeeper made seven brilliant saves to help his team Played a 0-0 draw against Belgium after a tough fight. In Group G, while the Red Devils dominated possession and created the better chances, Bernevand repeatedly came to Iran’s rescue and frustrated Belgium’s attacking stars in Inglewood.

belgium vs iran, FIFA World Cup 2026: highlighted

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The results after two matches left both teams on two points each, but much of the post-match conversation centered around the goalscorer. For many fans watching football around the world, this was their introduction to one of Asia’s most accomplished goalkeepers.

Belgium had seven shots on target and were in control for long periods of the contest, yet Beranvand stood firm throughout. Their best moment came in the closing stages when Maxime De Cuyper looked certain to get the breakthrough. The Iranian goalkeeper reacted brilliantly, diving low to clear the effort away before securing the loose ball.

Earlier in the second half, he had already made one save of the tournament, stretching his arm across the turf to deny another close-range effort from De Kuyper. By the final whistle, Belgium had run out of ideas and Iran had walked away with a valuable point, largely due to the man wearing the gloves.

Who is Alireza Bayranvand?

Born in Khorramabad County, Lorestan Province, Iran, Bayranvand’s rise to the top level of football is one of the sport’s most remarkable stories.

The 33-year-old grew up in a Kurdish Lak nomadic family in the Zagros Mountains of western Iran. Away from the glamor of elite football, he spent his childhood helping his family and eventually fulfilling his dream of becoming a professional player.

That journey eventually led him to the Iran national team, where he established himself as the country’s first-choice goalkeeper and one of Asia’s most reliable players. Over the years, Biernowand has built a reputation for his reflexes, composure under pressure and his ability to produce big performances on football’s biggest stage.

All these qualities were on full display against Belgium.

He made four saves in the first half as Belgium attempted to convert their possession dominance into goals. As the pressure increased after the break, Bayernwand looked to improve. His reflex stop in the 59th minute kept Iran level, while his late save from De Cuyper ultimately preserved the clean sheet.

Iran almost got itself a winner. Mehdi Taremi thought he had put his side ahead midway through the first half when a clever set-piece routine beat Thibaut Courtois, only for VAR to rule out the goal for offside and encroachment. Taremi also forced the Belgian goalkeeper to make several saves, but neither side could make a breakthrough.

What are Bairnvand’s Guinness World Records?

Away from his heroics between the posts, Bairnvand holds a unique place in football history.

The Iranian goalkeeper holds the Guinness World Record for the longest throw ever made in football. During a match against South Korea in October 2016, he surprisingly bowled the ball a distance of 200.14 feet, which is an unmatched achievement.

As if that wasn’t enough, he also holds the record for the longest drop kick in football history at 255.95 feet.

Those achievements have made him famous among goalkeeping enthusiasts, but his throwing power against Belgium did not make the headlines. Such was their ability to frustrate one of the most talented teams in Europe.

Iran was outrebounded 608–269 and managed only 32 percent possession, yet walked away with a valuable point as Beranvand refused to be beaten. As Belgium’s stars grew increasingly frustrated, the Iranian goalkeeper made one save after another to keep his country’s World Cup hopes firmly alive.

With the decisive final match of the group stage against Egypt still pending, Iran know they will remain in the race for a place in the knockout rounds.

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