Does the USMNT Have to Beat Iran to Advance Out of the Group Stage?

With the United States men’s national team recording a scoreless draw against England in Friday’s World Cup match, the U.S. finds itself with one scenario to advance out of the group stage.

The USMNT, which entered Friday’s game after recording a 1-1 draw against Wales on Monday, will now face Iran in its final group stage match on Nov. 29. If the USMNT defeats Iran, it will secure a spot in the knockout stage. 

If the USMNT loses or draws Iran, it is out of the World Cup. 

Like the Americans, Iran is also competing for a spot in the knockout stage after defeating Wales earlier on Friday. The USMNT has made appearances in the knockout stage in six of its last 10 World Cups.

Now that USA-England has concluded, the Group B standings now sit as follows:

1. England (4 points; plus-4 goal differential)

2. Iran (3 points; minus-2 goal differential)

3. USA (2 points; 0 goal differential)

4. Wales (1 point; minus-2 goal differential)