The Khuzestan derby between Foolad Khozestan and Esteghlal Khozestan ended in a 0-0 stalemate on March 7, 2026. In a match charged with local pride, both teams fought fiercely but ultimately canceled each other out in a gritty, physical contest. The first half was punctuated by tough tackles and few chances, with both defenses on top. Foolad thought they had taken the lead early in the second half, but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside after a VAR check. Esteghlal Khozestan responded and had a glorious chance to win it late on, but their captain's header from a corner sailed inches over the bar. The draw was a fair result in a derby where neither side was willing to risk defeat, and the point was welcomed by both camps in the context of the league table.