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How can USA advance at World Cup? We track all Group B scenarios
After holding England scoreless and picking up a point on Friday, the United States can guarantee its place in the round of 16 stage with a win over Iran on Tuesday (2 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app) — it can also still technically win Group B.
Here we break down all the outcomes and obstacles, as Gregg Berhalter’s tenacious American squad tries to find a way through the minefield.
So, get ready to watch the scoreboard — and the all-important goal-differential.
Should USMNT be worried about matchup vs. Iran?
PERMUTATIONS AND SCENARIOS:
If USA beats Iran AND England beats Wales: USA will advance to the round of 16 as the runner-up in Group B to winners England.
If USA beats Iran AND England ties with Wales: USA will enter a tiebreaker with England for the top spot. The first tiebreaker is goal differential and England has a four-goal advantage over the Americans because of its 6-2 win over Iran. The loser of that tiebreaker will still advance.
If USA beats Iran AND England loses to Wales: USA will advance to the round of 16 as the winners of Group B and England will advance as the runner-up.
If USA ties with OR loses to Iran AND England beats Wales: USA will be eliminated from the tournament and Iran will advance to the round of 16 as runner-up in Group B to winners England.
If USA loses to Iran AND England ties with Wales: USA will be eliminated from the tournament and Iran will advance to the round of 16 as the winners Group of B; England will advance as the runner-up.
If USA loses to Iran AND England loses to Wales: USA will be eliminated from the tournament and Iran will advance to the round of 16 as the winner of Group B: England will enter a tiebreaker with Wales based on goal differential to determine the runner-up. England has a six-goal advantage on Wales.
Read more from the World Cup:
- World Cup Group Scenarios: What does each team need to advance?
- 'We win or we are out': Young USA team knows history is on the line vs. Iran
- USMNT can’t afford to let up now, pledges 'We're not done'
- USA should get major confidence boost from 0-0 draw with England
- Yunus Musah has World Cup moment, outduels England star Jude Bellingham
- Three takeaways: USA outplays England, but can't find the net in draw
- World Cup Daily: USA controls its fate after draw vs. England
- World Cup Now: Expert analysis from England-USA scoreless draw
- Get to know the USMNT's 26-man World Cup roster
- How to watch every game of the 2022 World Cup
- 101 most memorable World Cup moments
- Stu Holden's top 50 players at the World Cup
Martin Rogers is a columnist for FOX Sports and the author of the FOX Sports Insider newsletter. Follow him on Twitter @MRogersFOX and subscribe to the daily newsletter.
