Iran vs USA LIVE: World Cup 2022 final score and result as Christian Pulisic goal sends USMNT into last 16

Iran vs USA latest updates

• USA are through to the last-16 of the 2022 World Cup after beating Iran 1-0

• The US will play the Netherlands in the last-16 on Saturday at 3pm (GMT); Iran are eliminated

• 90+3’ - CLOSE! Iran’s Morteza Pouraliganji heads agonisingly wide (IRN 0-1 USA)

• 45’ - TIGHT! Timothy Weah scores but is marginally offside (IRN 0-1 USA)

• 38’ - GOAL! Pulisic converts from close-range from Dest’s header (IRN 0-1 USA)

• 11' - CHANCE! Christian Pulisic’s header on goal is straight at Iran keeper Alireza Beiranvand (IRN 0-0 USA)

• FOLLOW REACTION: England beat Wales in the other Group B match this evening

• Photos show USA fan seized by Qatar police for wearing rainbow armband to World Cup game

Christian Pulisic taken to hospital after sustaining injury whilst scoring USA winner against Iran

Tuesday 29 November 2022 22:21 , Kieran Jackson

Christian Pulisic has been taken to hospital after sustaning an abdominal injury whilst scoring USA’s winner against Iran.

The star forward, whose goal in the 38th minute was enough to secure a 1-0 victory and his country’s passage to the last-16 of the 2022 World Cup, was injured after colliding with Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand following his close-range tap-in.

After finishing the first-half, Pulisic was substituted at half-time and swiftly taken to hospital.

However, the 24-year-old himself insists he will be ready for Saturday’s last-16 tie against the Netherlands, captioning a selfie posted online from his hospital bed with: “So f****** proud of my guys, I’ll be ready Saturday don’t worry.”

United States head coach Gregg Berhalter added that Pulisic had been taken to hospital “as a precaution.”

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 21:58 , Kieran Jackson

Biden announces USA soccer win over Iran: ’They did it, God love ‘em’

President Joe Biden on Tuesday appeared to have finished speaking at the SK Siltron CSS microchip factory in Bay City, Michigan when he returned to the lectern to celebrate a bit of good news.

Over chants of “USA! USA!” in celebration of the US men’s soccer team’s 1-0 victory over Iran, Mr Biden said: “That’s a big game, man”.

He recounted how players and national team coach Gregg Berhalter had exhibited a lackluster response when he’d spoken to them earlier this week before the US opened group play at the World Cup in Qatar.

“When I spoke to the coach and the players, I said, ‘You can do this.’ They went ‘eh,’” he said.

Speaking of their minutes-old victory, the president added: “They did it, God love ‘em”.

The US side needed a win to garner the three points needed to break into the round of 16 from their place in the Group B standings behind England. They took the lead after US captain Christian Pulisic scored the lone goal of the match, though he left the pitch soon after with an injury from a collision with the Iranian goaltender.

The must-win match between US and Iran followed a number of rows between the sides, with Iranian state media reporters questioning Mr Berhalter about US military posture in the Middle East at a pre-match press conference, and his counterpart Carlos Queiroz taking his own shot at the US by speaking of “human rights, racism and kids dying in schools with shootings” at his own press conference.

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 21:50 , Kieran Jackson

STAT ATTACK

- Christian Pulisic is the fifth US men’s national team player to record a goal and an assist at a single World Cup in the modern era.

- The US team has kept clean sheets in consecutive World Cup matches for the first time since its first two matches in the competition in 1930.

- The US’ Round of 16 match against the Netherlands will be the sixth all-time meeting but the first in a competitive match

Incidentally, reports state that Pulisic has gone to hospital after the injury he sustained while scoring his team’s winner this evening.

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 21:40 , Kieran Jackson

Photos show USA fan seized by Qatar police for wearing rainbow armband to World Cup game

An American fan was seized by Qatar police and removed from the crunch World Cup game against Iran at the Al Thumama Stadium for wearing a rainbow armband.

The supporter, who has not been identified, was photographed wearing the LGBT+ armband as he was manhandled by security officers at the game on Tuesday. It is the latest scandal for the FIFA tournament in Qatar, a country where gay men can be imprisoned and same-sex marriages are not recognised by the government.

The fan was wearing a blue and white-striped “99 Problems” shirt, which had “Unite + Strengthen” written on the arm. Qatar’s attitude to LGBT+ issues has been an issue since it was awarded the World Cup, as well as its treatment of foreign workers who built the stadiums.

England and six European nations backed down from wearing OneLove armbands in Qatar after FIFA threatened sporting sanctions for anyone wearing it. The country also imposed a strict alcohol ban in stadiums just days before the first game kicked off.

Photos show USA fan seized by Qatar police for wearing rainbow armband to game

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 21:25 , Kieran Jackson

By Ben Burrows at the Al Thumama Stadium

Christian Pulisic wasn’t born the last time the United States played Iran at a World Cup. But, 24 years on from ‘the mother of games’, he was the hero of the piece as his side gained a measure of revenge and a place in the last-16 in Qatar.

His winning goal, just before half-time of this 1-0 win at Thumama Stadium, gave the US the three points they needed to progress in second place from Group B alongside England.

He had come close against the Three Lions four days ago, hitting Jordan Pickford’s crossbar in a game the US could and should have won, but made no mistake when presented with the best opening in this one to score a first-ever World Cup goal.

The injury gained while firing home and that forced him off here will have a country sweating between now and a date with the Netherlands on Saturday, but that can wait for another day after a hard-earned and highly-charged victory that will be felt from Texas to Tehran.

“Why is it that you should not ask your government to take away its military fleet from the Persian Gulf?”, coach Gregg Berhalter was asked in his pre-match press conference. The question, about as far away from team news and tactics as you can get, succinctly set the scene ahead of this most political of contests in this or any sporting competition’s history.

USA edge through to World Cup last-16 with Pulisic netting winner against Iran

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 21:09 , Kieran Jackson

So: England finish top of Group B with seven points.

USA come second on five points after that win against Iran.

Iran remain on three points and are out, with USA bottom of the group on one.

Last-16 ties: Netherlands vs United States (Saturday, 3pm GMT)

England vs Senegal (Sunday, 7pm GMT)

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 21:04 , Kieran Jackson

FULL-TIME: With 100 minutes on the clock, bodies fall all over the pitch and the United States are through!

Christian Pulisic’s first-half goal was enough! The USA are in the last-16 - they will play the Netherlands on Saturday at 3pm (GMT) having finished second in Group B!

Iran pushed right to the end... but it wasn’t quite enough!

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 21:02 , Kieran Jackson

90+9 mins: Unreal drama!

Iran appeal for a penalty as a header is won and Taremi just gets there - it goes through Turner’s legs slowly but Zimmerman clears!

Was Taremi fouled by Carter-Vickers? VAR has had a look - no penalty.

USA escape!

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 21:00 , Kieran Jackson

90+8 mins: Iran continue to load the ball into the box - but the American defence is standing firm for now!

One minute - at least - to go...

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:58 , Kieran Jackson

90+6 mins: Stonewall yellow for Iran’s Jalali, for tugging the shirt of Musah who was away for the US!

Time ticking down...

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:56 , Kieran Jackson

90+3 mins: Oh so close for Iran!

It is a good ball in to the near post and Iran centre back Morteza Pouraliganji stoops low to head - but it’s just wide of Matt Turner’s goal!

That’s the closest Iran have come! Still five minutes to go...

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:55 , Kieran Jackson

90+3 mins: Musah foolishly trips Abolfazl Jalali.

Iran have a free-kick on the left-hand side. A good ball in...

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:54 , Kieran Jackson

90 minutes: NINE minutes of time added on here!

It’s not done yet...

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:53 , Kieran Jackson

89 mins: USA’s Moore concedes a corner.

Ghoddos whips it in - but it’s over everyone.

How much stoppage-time will there be?

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:51 , Kieran Jackson

87 mins: USA close to a second as Haji Wright almost gets to a threatening ball across the box.

Iran still alive!

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:49 , Kieran Jackson

85 mins: How the roles reverse!

USA now extremely deep and struggling to get out of their own half!

Yet Iran are struggling to fashion anything of note. They need a set-piece...

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:47 , Kieran Jackson

83 mins: USA clear their lines originally but the second ball into the box fell to Iran’s Ali Karimi - but he can’t convert home as Turner collects!

Iran pressure building now...

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:45 , Kieran Jackson

81 mins: Iran have a free-kick which they’re going to ping into the box.

But the USA make two changes first: Zimmerman and Moore (two defenders) replace Weah and Dest.

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:43 , Kieran Jackson

79 mins: Final roll of the dice from Iran boss Carlos Quieroz.

Striker Ali Gholizadeh goes off for Karim Ansarifard.

All five subs used now.

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:42 , Kieran Jackson

77 mins: Sargeant is going to have to make way here - Haji Wright takes his place.

They’ll be a big amount of injury time in this second-half, that’s for sure.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Majid Hosseini gets a booking for a late trip on Aaronson.

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:38 , Kieran Jackson

75 mins: Break in play here with USA striker Josh Sargeant down after standing on the ball, damaging his knee.

Looks really nasty this...

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:36 , Kieran Jackson

72 mins: Bit of confusion with who’s going off, but Iran make a double substitution.

Ehsan Hajsafi and Ahmad Nourollahi come off for Mehdi Torabi and Abolfazl Jalali.

Can Iran find a last-16 qualifying goal?!

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:34 , Kieran Jackson

70 mins: Not a bad long-range effort from Saeed Ezatolahi but his curling effort just won’t drop quick enough.

20 to go..

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:33 , Kieran Jackson

69 mins: A handball just outside the penalty area gives the United States a chance two yards outside the box...

But Yunus Musah’s clipped effort goes harmlessly over the bar!

What a waste!

World Cup 2022: Wales 0-3 England

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:32 , Kieran Jackson

Marcus Rashford has scored his second to give England a third against Wales!

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:29 , Kieran Jackson

65 mins: So close for Ghoddos!

He strikes just wide - though the referee has given a foul against Iran - but Turner was beatean!

Meanwhile - the United States make a change: Weston McKennie makes way for Kellyn Acosta. Interesting sub - McKennie has been one of the US’ best players!

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:26 , Kieran Jackson

62 mins: Tim Ream does well to head clear from Iran’s dangerous right back Ramin Rezaeian and a wicked cross into the box.

That’s their route back into the game, you would think.

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:24 , Kieran Jackson

60 mins: The USA have just regained control of the contest here - but it’s still only 1-0!

Half-an-hour to go. Iran will get a chance; you just know they’ll get a chance. A reminder: a draw would be enough for Iran

Still all to play for...

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:18 , Kieran Jackson

55 mins: Bit brighter from Iran!

They’ve seen a bit more of the ball here - with the United states slightly stretched - but Taremi can’t quite reach the ball before the byline and US keeper Turner!

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:16 , Kieran Jackson

52 mins: Chance for Iran’s Saman Ghoddos!

Best chance of the game for Iran! Ramin Rezaeian’s cross from the right sees the Iran sub get his head to it first - but he can only divert the ball over the bar!

World Cup 2022: Wales 0-2 England

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:15 , Kieran Jackson

Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden have scored in quick succession to give England a 2-0 lead!

Rahsford from a free-kick; Foden from Harry Kane’s cross.

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:14 , Kieran Jackson

50 mins: Taremi surges towards the US penalty area but he just runs out of legs, with the American defenders swarming around him to dispossess...

Iran lacking creativity big time, here. Still it’s only 1-0...

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:12 , Kieran Jackson

48 mins: Good chance for Josh Sargeant that!

The US striker times his run perfectly from Aaronson’s pass but his left-foot shot is straight at Beiranvand from a tight angle!

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:10 , Kieran Jackson

SECOND-HALF: We’re back underway here!

USA have also made a change: looks as though Christian Pulisic isn’t OK. He’s off for Brenden Aaronson.

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:08 , Kieran Jackson

The players are back out for the second-half here - and looks as though it’s another substitution for Iran.

Striker Azmoun is OFF for Ghoddos.

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:02 , Kieran Jackson

Here’s Christian Pulisic’s goal for the United States - and the immediate concern for his injury.

Despite a long wait, he returned to the pitch and did finish the half.

World Cup 2022: England 0-0 Wales - HALF-TIME

Tuesday 29 November 2022 19:58 , Kieran Jackson

Goalless at the break between England and Wales.

England, due to that big win against Iran, currently top on goal-difference.

Follow all the action here:

Wales 0-0 England: LIVE score, goals and World Cup updates

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 19:55 , Kieran Jackson

HALF-TIME: USA so close to a second - the semi-automatic offside must’ve shown Weah’s knee to be offside!

Nevertheless, USA have the lead and are very good value for that. Christian Pulisic was the goalscorer, finishing off a lovely move and a pinpoint header across from Sergino Dest!

As it stands, the USA are going through in second place in Group B and will face the Netherlands on Saturday at 3pm (GMT).

Plenty can change though!

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 19:53 , Kieran Jackson

45+7 mins: Timothy Weah is wheeling away after finishing past Beiranvand following McKennie’s through goal - but he’s given offside!

Bizarrely too! He looked onside on the replay - but the play continues! VAR would have checked it...

So tight!

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 19:52 , Kieran Jackson

45+5 mins: The US are finishing this half in exactly the manner of the whole 45 minutes - on the front foot and dominant.

Iran still desperate for the half-time whistle...

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 19:49 , Kieran Jackson

45 mins: Iran left back Milad Mohammadi is going to come off here, looks to have injured his groin. Ali Karimi takes his place.

A blow to Iran.

Five minutes of added time - but it’s likely to be more now...

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 19:47 , Kieran Jackson

45 mins: USA have a three-on-two... but they overplay it!

It’s a one-two between Sargeant and Weah but it’s a pass too many as the Iranian defender JUST gets a foot to it!

Let-off for Iran - who need half-time here!

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 19:45 , Kieran Jackson

44 mins: USA captain Tyler Adams is booked for a cynical trip on Ehsan Hajsafi.

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 19:44 , Kieran Jackson

43 mins: The game restarts with the US down to 10 players - and even then Sargeant has a shot across goal!

Pulisic gives a thumbs up and re-enters the field of play...

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 19:43 , Kieran Jackson

41 mins: Pulisic is still down here - looks like a damaged knee - and not entirely sure he’ll be able to continue...

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA (Pulisic 38’)

Tuesday 29 November 2022 19:41 , Kieran Jackson

GOAL! USA have the lead - and it’s deserved!

Sergino Dest breaks the offside trap from Weston McKennie’s and heads it first-time in the box across goal and it’s Christian Pulisic who’s there to smash home!

The winger is down injured after being clattered by the Iran defenders - but the US are ahead!

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-0 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 19:38 , Kieran Jackson

36 mins: Pulisic has another opportunity to do some damage with a corner kick for the United States - after a little talk with Musah - but the Chelsea winger lays it back to Dest but sells him short, with an Iranian player getting out to block.

Wasteful.

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-0 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 19:35 , Kieran Jackson

33 mins: A much better chance for Timothy Weah this time!

Sargeant lays off the US striker in the box but he blazes over the bar!

Has to work the keeper there...

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-0 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 19:34 , Kieran Jackson

31 mins: Ahmad Nourollahi is bodychecked by Carter-Vickers in the box as the ball rolls through to Turner - and he’s down in the box here.

Looks winded. Should be fine to continue...

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-0 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 19:32 , Kieran Jackson

30 mins: USA right back Dest cuts in from the right but - again - his shot is well blocked by the Iranian defence.

Iran are so so deep here. Might be a long, long hour left if they continue to play like this!

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-0 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 19:30 , Kieran Jackson

28 mins: Nice opening for USA!

Josh Sargent’s shot is blocked and breaks to Weah in the box - but instead of allowing the ball to drop he heads it straight at Alireza Beiranvand!

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-0 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 19:28 , Kieran Jackson

27 mins: Robinson does well to win a corner on the left-hand side - but Pulisic’s corner doesn’t beat the first man and Iran clear their lines.

Iran holding firm. For now.

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-0 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 19:25 , Kieran Jackson

24 mins: Timothy Weah makes a nice dart into the box but Milad Mohammadi does well to close down the angle as he tries to dig out a cross - and it’s out for a goal-kick.

For all the US’ dominance, they haven’t created any clear-cut chances yet!

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-0 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 19:22 , Kieran Jackson

20 mins: Tim Ream clears well after an Iran ball into the box looks dangerous...

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-0 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 19:18 , Kieran Jackson

16 mins: The USA really on top now!

Iran struggling to get out of their half and it’s Antonee Robinson’s ball across the box which is dangerous - but there’s no one there to convert for the Americans!

It was just beind the onrushing strikers...

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-0 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 19:13 , Kieran Jackson

11 mins: Christian Pulisic climbs above his Iranian marker at the back post from Musah’s cross but it’s comfortable for Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand, who is back in the XI today after being substituted following that knock to the head early on against England!

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-0 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 19:11 , Kieran Jackson

9 mins: First real bit of probing from the US sees midfielder Yunus Musah take a shot on the volley from the edge of the box - but it sails harmlessly into the stands!

Nice early feel to this winner-takes-all contest though!

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-0 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 19:08 , Kieran Jackson

6 mins: Iran the dominant side early on but they can’t quite get the final ball right into the box.

A long throw into the penalty area from Ehsan Hajsafi is well dealt with by the United States...

World Cup 2022: Iran 0-0 USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 19:03 , Kieran Jackson

2 mins: Iran have an early opportunity from a free-kick out-wide as Weston McKennie fouls on the right, but the USA clear their lines from the set-piece.

Shortly after, Christian Pulisic has a surge forward but is well tackled.

Lively start!

World Cup 2022: Iran vs USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 19:01 , Kieran Jackson

KICK-OFF: Iran in white get us underway at the Al Thumama Stadium, with the USA in their all-blue strip.

World Cup 2022: Iran vs USA - A reminder of the starting XIs!

Tuesday 29 November 2022 18:58 , Kieran Jackson

STARTING XIs

Iran: Beiranvand, Rezaeian, Majid Hosseini, Pouraliganji, Mohammadi, Noorollahi, Ezatolahi, Hajsafi, Gholizadeh, Azmoun, Taremi

USA: Turner, Dest, Carter-Vickers, Ream, Robinson, McKennie, Adams, Musah, Weah, Sargent, Pulisic

World Cup 2022: Iran vs USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 18:54 , Kieran Jackson

The players are out at the Al Thumama Stadium in Qatar!

National anthems coming up!

World Cup 2022: Iran vs USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 18:50 , Kieran Jackson

The players have left the pitch after their warm-ups!

For Iran, after their win against Wales, victory against the United States will guarantee their spot in the last-16 while a draw would also be enough if Wales don’t beat England.

Yet the United States’ equation is simpler: after two draws from two games, they simply have to win to progress to the knockout-stages.

Kick-off is just 10 minutes away!

World Cup 2022: Iran vs USA - Gregg Berhalter, speaking pre-match...

Tuesday 29 November 2022 18:46 , Kieran Jackson

“When I think about this match, I know that a lot of other constituents have another feeling towards it, but for us, it is a soccer game against a good team. It’s not much more.

“It’s a knockout game, both teams want to go to the next round and are desperate to go to the next round – and that’s how we’re looking at this match. We are very focused on what we do as a team, as are they.

“I don’t want to sound aloof or not caring, but the guys have worked really hard for the last four years.

“We have 72 hours between England and Iran. We really are just focused on how to get past Iran to go to the knockout stage of the tournament.

“Of course our thoughts are with the people, the whole country, the whole team, everyone – but our focus is on this match.

“We are not looking backwards – there is no talk about the performance against Wales or England now.”

World Cup 2022: Iran vs USA - FEATURE

Tuesday 29 November 2022 18:39 , Kieran Jackson

Iran-US World Cup clash rife with political tension

The last World Cup clash between the United States and Iran 24 years ago is considered one of the most politically charged matches in soccer history. This time, the political overtones are just as strong and relations perhaps even more fraught as the U.S. and Iran face off once again on Tuesday in Qatar.

Iran’s nationwide protests, its expanding nuclear program and regional and international attacks linked back to Tehran have pushed the match beyond the stadium and into geopolitics. No matter the outcome, tensions are likely only to worsen in the coming months.

When relations soured between the U.S. and Iran depends on who you ask. Iranians point to the 1953 CIA-backed coup that cemented Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi’s power. Americans remember the 1979 U.S. Embassy takeover and 444-day hostage crisis during the Iranian Revolution.

In soccer, however, the timeline is much simpler as this will be only the second time Iran and the U.S. have played each other in the World Cup. The last time was at the 1998 tournament in France — a totally different time in the Islamic Republic. Iran won 2-1 in Lyon, a low point for the U.S. men’s team as Iranians celebrated in Tehran.

Iran-US World Cup clash rife with political tension

World Cup 2022: Iran vs USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 18:28 , Kieran Jackson

Gregg Berhalter calls for USA to focus on performance ahead of Iran decider

United States coach Gregg Berhalter challenged his team to focus on delivering their own required performances rather than background noise surrounding the all-or-nothing final Group B game against Iran.

Having recovered from their opening 6-2 defeat by England to beat Wales, Carlos Queiroz’s squad stand on the verge of Iran taking a place in the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time.

The USA, meanwhile, have two points after being held by Wales then battling to a goalless draw against England. Only a win at the Al Thumama Stadium will see Berhalter’s squad through to the last 16 in a match which has been overshadowed by a controversial build-up.

The Iranian Football Federation complained to FIFA about the USA removing the Islamic Republic symbol from the nation’s flag in some social media posts.

With official diplomatic relations between the two countries having been cut in 1980, there is also a political undercurrent against a backdrop of widespread anti-government protests in Iran. Berhalter, though, insists the focus for him and his players must remain on football.

Gregg Berhalter calls for USA to focus on performance ahead of Iran decider

World Cup 2022: Iran vs USA - Iran head coach Carlos Queiroz...

Tuesday 29 November 2022 18:23 , Kieran Jackson

“We have a strong belief that we can play good football.

“Good football is the starting point to increase our opportunities to win, and this is exactly our focus.

“When we have the ball, we will try to keep it, enjoy it and to build up our opportunities. To win or not to win, this is in the hands of the gods of football and not in our control.”

World Cup 2022: Iran vs USA - FEATURE:

Tuesday 29 November 2022 18:15 , Kieran Jackson

‘From ‘Death to America’ to ‘Axis of Evil’: The historical context around heated winner-takes-all USA vs Iran World Cup match

Rarely is an international sporting contest simply about what happens in the match. If teams play regularly enough – in competitions or tournaments – the encounters can be about simply trying to do the best on the field and emerge the winner.

Oftentimes, however, especially if the teams do not compete regularly, the faceoffs can be weighted with history, and frequently a history of difficulty. India and Pakistan have used their international cricketing contests to carry out “sports diplomacy”, but sometimes such games trigger violence, occasionally in far away in places such as the United Kingdom between rival supporters.

Similarly, during the 2018 Winter Olympics, the two Koreas, led by South Korean president Moon Jae-in, and Kim Jong-Un’s younger sister Kim Yo Jong, appeared to make real progress, and the two countries competed as a single “Korea” in the ice hockey competition.

What then to make of the soccer showdown between the United States and Iran at the World Cup, a game the US needs to win to progress in the tournament. A draw would knock out the US, and leave Iran relying on Wales not beating England.

Tuesday’s contest in Qatar is not the first time the two countries that cut diplomatic relations in 1980 after the Iranian Revolution, have played each other at football.

The context around winner-takes-all USA vs Iran World Cup match

World Cup 2022: Iran vs USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 18:06 , Kieran Jackson

Here is the current scene at the Al Thumama Stadium!

World Cup 2022: England vs Wales

Tuesday 29 November 2022 17:59 , Kieran Jackson

If you want to follow the other match in Group B this evening between England and Wales, click our live blog below:

Wales vs England live scores, line-ups and latest World Cup 2022 updates

World Cup 2022: Iran vs USA - Starting XIs!

Tuesday 29 November 2022 17:52 , Kieran Jackson

Here is the all-important starting XIs...

Iran: Beiranvand, Rezaeian, Majid Hosseini, Pouraliganji, Mohammadi, Noorollahi, Ezatolahi, Hajsafi, Gholizadeh, Azmoun, Taremi

Subs: Moharrami, Khalilzadeh, Ansarifard, Amiri, Niazmand, Kanaani, Ghoddos, Cheshmi, Torabi, Karimi, Abedzadeh, Hossein Hosseini, Jalali

USA: Turner, Dest, Carter-Vickers, Ream, Robinson, McKennie, Adams, Musah, Weah, Sargent, Pulisic

Subs: Zimmerman, Reyna, Ferreira, Aaronson, Horvath, de la Torre, Long, Morris, Roldan, Moore, Wright, Yedlin, Acosta, Johnson, Scally.

World Cup 2022: Iran vs USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 17:40 , Kieran Jackson

Where can I watch Iran vs USA this evening?

The World Cup group stage game is scheduled for a 7pm GMT kick-off on Tuesday 29 November at the Al Thumama Stadium.

In the UK, the match will be televised live on BBC Two, with coverage beginning at 6.45pm, while a live stream is available via the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website.

World Cup 2022: Iran vs USA

Tuesday 29 November 2022 17:27 , Kieran Jackson

Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of a crunch Group B encounter at the World Cup between Iran and USA.

For Iran, after their win against Wales, victory against the United States will guarantee their spot in the last-16 while a draw would also be enough if Wales don’t beat England.

Yet the United States’ equation is simpler: after two draws from two games, they simply have to win to progress to the knockout-stages.

Kick-off at the Al Thumama Stadium is at 7pm (GMT) - team-news on the way!