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USA vs Iran is a fixture that the entire footballing world would see, amid political controversy at the 2026 World Cup.
The USMNT have already secured knock-out football, however, Iran 's progression to the next stage isn't yet guaranteed.
In the event they do progress, there does remain a chance that both sides could face off in a knock-out clash at this summer's tournament: here's how.
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Can USA vs Iran still happen at the 2026 World Cup?
Iran have faced a "nightmare" battle in their quest to secure knockout football at the 2026 World Cup , with Mehdi Taremi describing their conditions as such after their opening draw against New Zealand.
Despite the travel and fan support restrictions faced by the national side, the Iranians battled valiantly to another draw against Belgium , placing themselves second in the Group G table.
USA's spot in the Round of 32 is already confirmed, after victories against Paraguay and Australia in Group D.
If the pair are to face off, it would happen in the Round of 16, and only if Iran top their group.
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That possibility remains firmly in the clutches of the Iranians, who will face off against current group leaders Egypt on Saturday.
If Iran prevail in that game, they could top the group with five points, unless Belgium beat New Zealand - in which case, the Group G top spot will be decided by a newly introduced series of metrics.
If Iran win and Belgium fail to secure victory, they will face a third-placed team in the Round of 32, with a solid chance of progression.
If both Iran and the USMNT win their first knockout face-offs, then the much-anticipated game will happen in the Round of 16.
So, for USA vs Iran to mimic its off the pitch controversy and battle at the 2026 World Cup, Iran will have to top Group G with a win against Egypt, then beat their Round of 32 opposition.
Mauricio Pochettino's men return to World Cup action on Friday against Turkiye .
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