Iran vs USA is happening for the second time in the World Cup tournament. The last time they faced each other in this franchise was at the competition’s 1998 edition in France a game which saw Iran winning by 2-1. Besides the world cup, the two teams have also faced each other in a friendly however it was back in January 2000. Both teams ended up sharing the spoils in the last meetings.
Heading into the final round of the group stage, Iran looks better than the USA after the middle eastern side defeated their other group opponent, Wales in match day two. The USA however is yet to record a win at this competition and is going to need a victory (no bargain) to qualify for the last 16. The same is also mandatory for Iran to secure their place in the knockouts.
The aforesaid feat is something that Iran has never achieved before in this competition; Team Melli has so far appeared in six World Cups including Qatar.
Iran Vs USA Expected Lineups
Iran’s first-choice keeper, Alireza Beiranvand who missed the action against Wales on match day two due to a concussion protocol is expected to be in the starting eleven against the USA. Iran’s forward Sardar Azmoun who adds much quality to Team Melli’s attack might miss the early action as he seemed to have struggled for most of the time in Iran’s match against Wales.
USA attacking midfielder Cristian Pulisic at the FIFA World Cup 2022. ReutersAs for the USA, the Yanks have no injury concerns heading into match day 3. The uncertainty, however, is there between Haii Wright and Josh Sargent. The two respectively started for the USA’s matches against Wales and England and therefore it is ambiguous as to who might actually come in the action against Iran. The regulars in the starting eleven should be the trio of midfielders, Leeds Tyler Adams, Juventus Weston McKennie, and Valencia Yunus Musah. Leeds United’s Brenden Aaronson could also get the opportunity to serve although looking at the previous two matches he may have to do it from the bench this time too.
Iran Vs USA Possible Lineups
Iran: H Hosseini; Rezaeian, M Hosseini, Pouraliganji, Mohammadi; Ali Gholizadeh, Nourollahi, Ezatolahi, Hajsafi; Taremi, Azmoun
USA: Turner; Dest, Zimmerman, Ream, Robinson; Adams, Musah, McKennie; Pulisic, Weah, Wright
Iran Vs USA Predictions
Iran appeared a different team against Wales to the losing sides that faced England in match day one and now that it’s the situation of do or die against Wales, they are certain to push their already compact defense line to god mode. After their win against Wales, they seem to be back to their reputation as Asian Powerhouse.
Iran Sardar Azmoun and Welsh Joe Rodon in FIFA World Cup 2022 round 2. ReutersThey very much are going to be in the same temper as they were in the match against Wales.
On the other hand, the USA hasn’t recorded a win in their last five matches. The North Americans have drawn four and lost one. The pressure to end the streak couldn’t have come at a worse moment for the USA. By comparison, before the defeat against England, Iran was undefeated in 13 of their 16 matches. From June 2021 to their first match of the World Cup 2022, Team Melli had 14 wins and three losses.
In terms of the xG battle, the USA triumphed over the opponent that thrashed Iran. So the Americans may create some problems in Iran’s box. Statistics-wise, this game is legitimately hard to see going on one side only. Therefore, it’s either a 0-0 or 1-1 draw from us.
Our Projected Scoreline: Iran 1-1 USA
Iran Vs USA Recent Odds
| Iran | USA |
| 3/1 (4.00) to win | 19/20 (1.95) to win |
| 5/2 (3.50) to draw | 5/2 (3.50) to draw |
| 8/1 to Mehdi Taremi for scoring the first goal | 15/2 (8.50) to Timothy Weah for scoring the first goal |
| 5/1 (6.00) to Jesus Ferreira for scoring the first goal | |
| 6/1 (7.00) to Christian Pulisic for scoring the first goal |
Iran Vs USA Previous Statistics
| England | USA | |
| 0.77 | xG | 0.63 |
| 56 | ball possession | 44 |
| 8 | total shots | 10 |
| 3 | shots on target | 1 |
| 4 | shots off target | 5 |
| 1 | blocked shots | 4 |
| 3 | corner kicks | 7 |
| 1 | big chances | 1 |
| 1 | big chances missed | 1 |
| 0 | hit woodwork | 1 |
| Wales | Iran | |
| 0.89 | xG | 1.47 |
| 62 | ball possession | 38 |
| 10 | total shots | 21 |
| 3 | shots on target | 6 |
| 3 | shots off target | 6 |
| 2 | blocked shots | 9 |
| 2 | corner kicks | 7 |
| 1 | big chances | 2 |
| 1 | big chances missed | 1 |
| 0 | hit woodwork | 2 |
