If the Iranian selection does well in the World Cup, they could quickly cross paths with the United States on their own soil, in a match under high geopolitical tension.
A month before the start of the 2026 World Cup, Iran’s presence remains uncertain due to the war waged by the United States, co-hosts of the World Cup with Mexico and Canada, on its territory. However, its football team is expected in Los Angeles on June 15 for the first of its three group stage matches against New Zealand. If the “Team Melli” participates, it could potentially face the United States in the round of 16.
The scenario is simple: both teams would need to finish 2nd in their group. This is an achievable goal for the United States in Group D, which also includes Turkey, Paraguay, and Australia. For Iran, the 21st nation in the FIFA rankings, the draw was also quite favorable: Belgium (9th), Egypt (29th), and the modest New Zealand (85th).
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Iranians and Americans would then face off in the round of 16 on July 3 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, near Dallas (Texas). Iran has never advanced past the first round of the World Cup, but this is the first edition with 48 teams and the introduction of round of 16 matches. The United States have reached the round of 16 in three of the last four World Cups (2010, 2014, and 2022).
/2026/05/07/69fca3bcd2c5b283200882.jpg "Testimony. \"War, there is nothing worse\" : at 108 years old, Jean Turco dives back into his memories of being a soldier prisoner during the Second World War")
