Belgium's World Cup Crisis: Nathan Ngoy Red Card Deepens Worry as De Bruyne's Last Dance Falters
Nathan Ngoy's needless red card against Iran has left Belgium in a genuinely precarious position in Group G — just one point from two matches, a suspension to serve, and a crucial final matchday looming against Egypt. Is Kevin De Bruyne's last World Cup chance slipping away?
What Happened Against Iran
Belgium's 0-0 draw against Iran at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 21 was poor viewing for the Red Devils — and then it became much worse. In the 66th minute, Belgian defender Nathan Ngoy, just 23 years old and in his first major tournament, attempted to play a routine back-pass to goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The ball struck his plant foot, dying on the pitch at the worst possible moment. Iran captain Mehdi Taremi spotted the opportunity and surged past Ngoy, who — with no option — dragged Taremi to the ground to deny an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.
Referee showed a straight red card. Belgium were reduced to ten men for the final 23 minutes plus stoppage time. Despite a late Iran VAR controversy — reports suggest an Iran goal was disallowed — the score remained 0-0. Belgium now have just one point from two matches.
The Scale of Belgium's Problem
Belgium's situation is dire but not mathematically hopeless. Here is how Group G stands after two matches:
| Team | PJ | G | E | P | GF | GC | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 4 |
| Iran | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Belgium | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| New Zealand | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 1 |
Belgium need to beat Egypt on matchday 3 and hope that Iran do not beat New Zealand by a sufficient margin to overtake them on goal difference. The Iran vs New Zealand match runs concurrently with Belgium vs Egypt, meaning Belgium cannot simply "manage" the result — they need to play with all-out ambition from the first whistle.
Kevin De Bruyne: The Last World Cup Dance Under Threat
For Kevin De Bruyne, this is the endgame. At 34 years old, Belgium's greatest player — and arguably one of the finest midfielders in Premier League history — has repeatedly stated that this is his final World Cup. His desire to finally deliver a major honour with Belgium on the biggest stage is palpable in every interview, every training session, every laboured press conference.
Yet, so far, De Bruyne has been unable to impose himself on either match. Belgium's failures are systemic rather than individual — the team struggles with both creativity and pressing resistance — but questions are being asked about whether Belgium are genuinely equipped to advance beyond the group stage with a squad that many argue is past its peak as the "golden generation" fades.
There is still time. De Bruyne is exceptional enough to drag a team to victory single-handedly on a given day. But the margin for error has now shrunk to zero.
Iran's Disallowed Goal and the VAR Controversy
Adding a layer of bitterness to Belgium's draw, reports from the match indicate that Iran had a goal disallowed by VAR during the second half — reportedly for offside — in what would have been a sensational winner. Iranian supporters and media expressed considerable frustration at the decision, while neutrals noted that Iran were arguably the better side after Belgium's red card.
For Iran, the draw maintains their unbeaten record but leaves them without a win in two matches. Their final group match against New Zealand represents an opportunity they must not squash — a win would virtually guarantee their progress to the knockout rounds for the first time since their extraordinary World Cup campaign of 2018.
What Belgium Must Do to Qualify
Belgium's path to the Round of 32 is clear, if narrow:
- Must win their final match against Egypt on June 26
- Nathan Ngoy's suspension means a reorganised defence — likely without their starting centre-back pairing
- De Bruyne must rediscover his best form; Belgium need his creativity to unlock an Egypt side that conceded only once in two games
- Must hope Iran do not accumulate a superior goal difference by beating New Zealand heavily
- A draw or loss eliminates Belgium from the tournament
The match against Egypt — who are led by Mohamed Salah and full of momentum after their historic first World Cup win — will be one of the defining fixtures of Group G matchday 3. It is exactly the kind of match that can define a generation's legacy: either De Bruyne's final World Cup ends in qualification, or in the group stage.
The Broader Red Card Problem at World Cup 2026
Ngoy's red card is part of a broader disciplinary trend at this tournament. According to FOX Sports, "World Cup 2026 has as many red cards as the last two World Cups combined." The expanded 48-team format, combined with more matches and arguably greater pressure on individual players, appears to be contributing to an elevated card count. FIFA's enhanced VAR protocol — introduced specifically for 2026 — has also led to more scrutiny of fouls, with referees quicker to act on clear goal-scoring opportunity denials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Defender Nathan Ngoy received a straight red card in the 66th minute for denying Iran captain Mehdi Taremi an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. Ngoy had accidentally killed a back-pass, allowing Taremi to race through, and brought him down to prevent a clear shot on goal.
Yes, but it is difficult. Belgium need to beat Egypt in their final group match on June 26, and hope that Iran do not beat New Zealand by a large enough margin to overtake Belgium on goal difference. Nathan Ngoy's suspension means Belgium also face a depleted defensive lineup.
Belgium need De Bruyne to play at his very best against Egypt — creating chances, driving Belgium forward, and finding the decisive moments. Without a performance of his highest calibre, it is hard to see how Belgium generate enough quality to defeat the Group G leaders.
Belgium play Egypt on matchday 3 of Group G on June 26, 2026. Iran vs New Zealand will be played simultaneously, making the final standings potentially very tight depending on results.