Iran vs. United States prediction and odds, World Cup 2022

Football is about more than just football . That certainly applies to this match, which has everything. First and foremost, it is the decisive third game in the pool, where both teams still have it in their own hands. A win will guarantee both Iran and the U.S. a spot in the next round, while only Iran might also need a draw. Add to that the political tensions in Iran and the obvious fact that Iran versus the U.S. is a very spicy game. Also for reasons that have little to do with soccer, but that’s the way it goes. It promises to be a spectacular game with a lot going on.

Prediction Iran – United States

Despite the fact that Iran has one point more – because it did win against Wales – the United States is the favorite for the game. After Iran’s excellent performance against Wales, those odds might surprise you. Especially since both teams are not that far apart in the world rankings; the U.S. is sixteenth, Iran twentieth. However, most of the U.S. players play in major European leagues, while Iran has players from the Greek, Croatian and Belgian leagues, among others. For those who have tanked confidence in the Iranian team, a bet on a win or a draw (with which Iran is almost certainly through) could prove very advantageous.

Iran latest news and statistics

After the earwashing against England (6-2), Iran recovered with a well-deserved 2-0 win against Wales. A win that required a lot of hard work, but gave them a good starting position in Pool B. Everything is still open in this pool. The only certainty is that Feyenoord player Alireza Jahanbakhsh will not make his appearance on behalf of Iran. He is suspended after a yellow card against Wales. Coach Carlos Queiroz has an almost fit squad, although it is not inconceivable that the war of attrition against Wales will claim its victims in the coming days. Many eyes will be on Bayer Leverkusen striker Sardar Azmoun on Tuesday. He is on paper the biggest name with Iran and the goals are expected from him.

United States latest news and statistics

In American sports culture, a draw is almost non-existent and yet two draws are the United States’ harvest after playing as many games. For that matter, the team can hardly be faulted. The U.S. forgot to reward itself in a fine match against Wales and the deserved draw against superpower England is also creditable. However, the reality now is that a win against Iran is necessary to qualify for the next round. The bookies are confident of that, although it will have to happen on the pitch.

To make that happen, coach Greg Berhalter has the necessary quality at his disposal. Among others, Christian Pulisic (Chelsea), Giovanni Reyna (Borussia Dortmund) and Yunus Musah (Valencia) represent the necessary quality. The same certainly applies to former Ajacied and AC Milan player Sergiño Dest.

Iran – United States previous encounters

Geographically and politically, matches between Iran and the United States are not obvious. Consequently, this match has only been played twice before. Once at the 1998 World Cup (2-1 win Iran) and once friendly in 2000 (1-1). So the bookmakers expect the US to book its first ever win against Iran on Tuesday.