Who: United States vs. Iran
When: November 29, 2022, 2 p.m. ET
Where: Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar
Everything is on the line for the United States Men’s National Team in their final match of Group B play. The Americans need a win over Iran to advance to the knockout stages of the World Cup. No other result will suffice.
After 1-1 and 0-0 draws against Wales and England, respectively, in their first two Group Stage matches, the United States cannot afford another draw in their match versus Iran. Gregg Berhalter’s squad will need to be on the front foot of the match from the opening whistle as Iran need only a draw in this match to advance to the Round of 16.
Goalkeeper Matt Turner will look to continue his strong play after recording his first World Cup clean sheet Friday in the 0-0 draw. Turner has made three saves in each of the two matches for the United States, allowing just the equalizer against Wales in their opener.
Gregg Berhalter also has a decision to make at central forward. He started Josh Sargent against Wales and then replaced him with Haji Wright for the match against England. Regardless of the decision, the Americans will need production from that role if they are to advance.
Weston McKennie, Sergiño Dest, Tim Ream, and Kellyn Acosta have all been issued yellow cards in the World Cup. So if one of them receives another yellow in the match against Iran, that individual will miss the potential Round of 16 match.
After defeating Wales 2-0 on Friday, with both goals coming after Wales’s keeper Wayne Hennessey was sent off in the 86th minute, all Iran needs is a draw to advance out of the World Cup Group Stage for the first time.
Alireza Jahanbaksh is ineligible to play for Iran in this contest after being assessed yellow cards in each of Iran’s Group Stage matches. Morteza Pouraliganji and Ramin Rezaeian have both been assessed a single yellow card in Group Stage play, so if they receive one more they will not be eligible for the Round of 16 should Iran advance.
The match will be broadcast in English on Fox and in Spanish on Telemundo.
USMNT
