Preview: USMNT Can Clinch Spot In 2022 FIFA World Cup Knockout Stage With Win Vs. IR Iran On Tuesday, Nov. 29 – U.S. Soccer

CHICAGO (Nov. 28, 2022) – The U.S. Men’s National Team has the opportunity to clinch a berth in the knockout stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a win against IR Iran on Tuesday, Nov. 29. Following two strong performances to kick off the tournament, including an inspired showing in a 0-0 draw against tournament favorite England on Black Friday, a victory against Team Melli would guarantee the USMNT passage to the Round of 16. 
 
Kickoff for Iran-USA from Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar is set for 2 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on FOX and Telemundo.
 
The third and final group stage match has often proved pivotal for the USMNT at the World Cup as the USA seeks its sixth knockout stage berth in 11 tournament appearances. Tuesday’s game marks the second World Cup meeting between the U.S. and Iran at the FIFA World Cup following the match at France 1998.

After dropping its first match 6-2 to England, Iran netted two late goals against Wales to keep its advancement hopes alive and will be fighting to make it to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.
 
 
GOALKEEPERS (3): Ethan Horvath (Luton Town/ENG; 8/0; Highlands Ranch, Colo.), Sean Johnson (New York City FC; 10/0; Lilburn, Ga.), Matt Turner (Arsenal/ENG; 22/0; Park Ridge, N.J.)
 
DEFENDERS (9): Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic/SCO; 11/0; Southend-on-Sea, England), Sergiño Dest (AC Milan/ITA; 21/2; Almere, Netherlands), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls; 29/3; Oak Hills, Calif.), Shaq Moore (Nashville SC; 16/1; Powder Springs, Ga.), Tim Ream (Fulham/ENG; 48/1; St. Louis, Mo.), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG; 31/2; Liverpool, England), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 3/0; Lake Grove, N.Y.), DeAndre Yedlin (Inter Miami CF; 76/0; Seattle, Wash.), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC; 35/3; Lawrenceville, Ga.)
 
MIDFIELDERS (7): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/ENG; 26/6; Medford, N.J.), Kellyn Acosta (LAFC; 54/2; Plano, Texas), Tyler Adams (Leeds United/ENG; 34/1; Wappingers Falls, N.Y.), Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo/ESP; 12/0; San Diego, Calif.), Weston McKennie (Juventus/ITA; 39/9; Little Elm, Texas), Yunus Musah (Valencia/ESP; 21/0; London, England), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC; 32/0; Pico Rivera, Calif.)
 
Date
Opponent
Venue
Time (ET)/Result
TV Info
Monday, Nov. 21
Wales
Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium; Al Rayyan, Qatar
1-1 D

Friday, Nov. 25
England
Al Bayt Stadium; Al Khor, Qatar
0-0 D

Tuesday, Nov. 29
IR Iran
Al Thumama Stadium; Doha, Qatar
2 p.m.
FOX, Telemundo
 
Goalkeeper Matt Turner became the fifth USMNT netminder to earn a shutout in the FIFA World Cup, joining the ranks of Jimmy Douglas (3-0 W vs. Belgium and 3-0 W vs. Paraguay in 1930), Frank Borghi (1-0 W vs. England in 1950), Brad Friedel (2-0 W vs. Mexico in 2002) and Tim Howard (1-0 W vs. Algeria in 2010).
It’s the 15th career clean sheet in 22 international appearances for the New Jersey native, the fourth goalkeeper from the Garden State to start for the U.S. at the World Cup, following Douglas (1930), Tony Meola (1990, 1994) and Howard (2010, 2014). It’s been an incredible journey for Turner, who didn’t start playing until age 16 and considered quitting in college when a gaffe placed him No. 1 on SportsCenter’s “Not Top 10.”
 
 

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