Why didn't Iran's goal count? Mehdi Taremi 1-0 lead vs. Belgium called out after VAR review

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Iran's huge fanbase was again in Los Angeles to watch the Iranian squad play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On Sunday, they were taking on Belgium, and Iran appeared to take the lead on a goal by Mehdi Taremi.

The celebrations were raucous, but then news came that the VAR (video assistant referee) was looking at it.

After review, the goal was called off. It would remain 0-0.

It was a brutal break for Iran, although it appeared to be the right call.

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Why didn't Iran's goal count?

The goal was called back for offside.

Fox's referee analyst Mark Clattenburg also made the case that a foul could've been called for encroachment on the Iran free kick.

This is how the play happened:

Mehdi Taremi found the back of the net for Iran, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR check determined it was offside pic.twitter.com/HebR7GY46j

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 21, 2026

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"It's the right call in the end," Clattenburg said.

Iran drew its first match, against New Zealand, and is now trying to stun Belgium. They nearly had the lead.