The USMNT claimed a draw against England on Friday so what do they need from their final group clash against Iran to go through?
USMNT secured their second draw in a row at the World Cup as they held England on November 25 but they still have work to do to book their place in the knockout stages.
The Americans currently sit third in Group B after Iran beat Wales, with USA facing Carlos Queiroz’s side in a final must-win fixture.
Christian Pulisic and co. will be confident they can get the job done after they played England off the park for large parts of Friday’s game – here’s exactly what they need to do against Iran and who they could face in the last 16.
What USMNT needs to do to reach last 16
It’s simple for the USMNT: they need to beat Iran in order to qualify for the knockout stages.
If Wales beat England and the USMNT win against Iran, the Americans will go through in first place, theoretically getting an easier game in the next round.
Should England win or draw against Wales but the USMNT claims victory against Iran, the Americans finish second and will likely face a tougher tie in the round of 16.
Losing or drawing with Iran would be catastrophic, however. Berhalter and his young squad would be eliminated if they fail to get the three points in the final group fixture.
Who could USMNT face in the last 16?
Should they qualify, the USMNT would face a team from Group A. The Netherlands, Senegal or Ecuador are all possible opponents from what is a tight group
If things stay as they are in Group A, finishing second would see the USMNT come up against Louis van Gaal and his Dutch side. If USA finish in first place, Ecuador awaits, as things stand. Of course, they could still play Senegal should things in Group A change, although hosts Qatar have already been knocked out.
What will be the date & venue for USMNT’s last-16 tie?
If the USMNT win Group B, their last-16 fixture will take place at the Al Bayt Stadium on December 4.
Should they finish runners-up, the game would take place at the Khalifa International Stadium on December 3.
Where can I watch USMNT’s last-16 tie in the US?
The match will be on Fox and streamed on various services, including Peacock and fuboTV.
