Mehdi Taremi (centre) thought he had scored for Iran, but the goal was eventually chalked out. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Iran almost got its noses in front with a goal off Mehdi Taremi when he scored through a set-piece routine against Belgium in their FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage match on Sunday.

Iran got a free-kick in the 25th minute, which its captain, Ehsan Haji Safi, stepped up to take. But instead of going for a direct shot from 35 yards out, he threaded in a cute through ball to Taremi at the edge of the box, who turned with the ball and shot past Thibaut Courtois into the net.

The early goal prompted wild celebrations among thousands of Iranian fans in the stadium, which were eventually cut short. Argentine referee Dario Herrera had a chat with the Video Assistant Referee and chalked the goal off.

Why was Iran’s goal disallowed against Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026?

Iran’s opening goal against Belgium, off Mehdi Taremi, was disallowed as the former Inter Milan striker was marginally off the line when the free-kick was threaded in by Haji Safi.

Published on Jun 22, 2026