TEHRAN: Iranians gathered at Muharram mourning tents in Tehran and other cities to watch their national team’s second 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage match against Belgium, as a goalless draw kept Iran’s hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds alive.
Large public screenings were arranged at Muharram venues, where football fans stayed on after attending mourning ceremonies marking the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The unusual mix of religious observance and World Cup excitement created a charged atmosphere as supporters followed Iran’s latest Group G outing on big screens set up at community gathering points.
Iran held Belgium to a 0-0 draw in its second group match after opening the tournament with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand. As a result, the team now has two points from its opening two fixtures and remains in contention heading into the final round of group-stage matches.
Muharram venues turn into football viewing sites
Photos shared from Tehran showed crowds seated inside black-draped mourning tents watching the match together, many still dressed in mourning attire after the religious gatherings. Similar scenes were reported in several other Iranian cities, where organisers arranged public screenings to allow supporters to follow the game without disrupting Muharram commemorations.
The screenings reflected the strong emotional pull of the national team during a tournament already shaped by political tensions, travel restrictions and public debate inside and outside Iran.
Iran still in the race for knockout stage
Although Iran has yet to secure its first win of the tournament, the draw against Belgium leaves qualification hopes intact. With two points from two matches, the team remains mathematically in the race for a place in the knockout stage.
Iran will now head into its final Group G fixture knowing that a strong result could still be enough to extend its World Cup campaign.
