Iran almost got their nose ahead with a goal from Mehdi Taremi when he scored from a set-piece routine against Belgium in their 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage match on Sunday.
Iran were awarded a free kick in the 25th minute, which the captain, Ehsan Haji Safi, took. But instead of going for a direct shot from 35 yards out, he threw a cute through ball to Taremi on the edge of the penalty area, who turned with the ball and fired past Thibaut Courtois into the net.
The early goal sparked wild celebrations among thousands of Iranian fans in the stadium, which were eventually broken up. Argentinian referee Dario Herrera had a conversation with the video assistant referee and disallowed the goal.
Why was Iran’s goal against Belgium disallowed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Iran’s opening goal against Belgium, off Mehdi Taremi, was disallowed because the former Inter Milan striker was marginally off the line when the free-kick was kicked in by Haji Safi.
Taremi was found marginally ahead of Alexis Saelemaekers’ Belgian when the ball was played in. | Photo credit: ZEE5 Screengrab
Taremi was found marginally ahead of Alexis Saelemaekers’ Belgian when the ball was played in. | Photo credit: ZEE5 Screengrab
Which rule conflicts with this?
Taremi committed an offside offense under rule 11.2 of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) rule book, which determines the rules of the game.
A player who is in an offside position when the ball is played or touched* by a teammate will only be penalized if he becomes involved in active play by:
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Interfering with play by playing or touching a ball that has been passed or touched by a teammate, or
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hindering an opponent by:
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preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent’s line of sight, or
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challenge an opponent for the ball or
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clearly attempting to play a ball that is close, when this action touches an opponent, or
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making an obvious play that clearly affects an opponent’s ability to play the ball
Taremi committed the first offense of the options mentioned above and therefore Iran’s opening goal was not given against Belgium at the Los Angeles Stadium.
Published on June 22, 2026
