It was tense, nerve-wracking, and at times stomach-churning for American fans, but the United States beat Iran 1-0 in a must-win game to advance to the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup.
Needing just one win to advance, Christian Pulisic delivered the biggest moment of his USMNT career, scoring in the 38th minute and injuring himself in the process. The U.S. star put his body on the line as the U.S. needed to advance, taking a knee to the stomach from Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand in the process.
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It was tense, nerve-wracking, and at times stomach-churning for American fans, but the United States beat Iran 1-0 in a must-win game to advance to the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup.
Needing just one win to advance, Christian Pulisic delivered the biggest moment of his USMNT career, scoring in the 38th minute and injuring himself in the process. The U.S. star put his body on the line as the U.S. needed to advance, taking a knee to the stomach from Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand in the process.
Pulisic was substituted at halftime, and with the U.S. hanging on for dear life the rest of the way, Iran threw the numbers ahead as time ticked down on the clock.
An extra nine minutes from the end of a regulation made the game more tense but Iran could not get the goal they needed.
The win puts the U.S. through to the Round of 16, where it will play Group A winners the Netherlands on Saturday. Getting past the group stage was the minimum goal for the USA, and with this gutsy win, they’ve cleared that bar.
There are still plenty of questions to be asked about the American attack, which produced just two goals through three group-stage games, but defensively, they were sensational, conceding just one goal, and none from open play.
USA vs Iran Score
| Team | 1H | 2H | Final |
| USA | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Iran | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Goals:
USA — Christian Pulisic -38 mins
Confirmed lineups:
United States (4-3-3, right to left): 1. Turner (GK) — 2. Dest (Moore, 82′), 20. Carter-Vickers, 13. Rem, 5. Robinson — 8. McKenney, 4. Adams, 6. Musah – 21. Weah (Zimmerman, 82′), 24. Sargent (Wright, 77′), 10. Pulisic (Aronson, 46′).
Iran (4-4-2, right to left): 1. Beiranvand (GK) — 23. Rezaian, 19. Hosseini, 8. Pouraliganji, 5. Mohammadi (Karimi, 45′) — 17. Gholizadeh, 21. Nurallahi (Torabi, 71′), 6. Izatolahi, 3. Safi (Jalali, 71′) – 20. Ajmon (Horses, 46′), 9. Taremi.
USA vs Iran Live Updates, 2022 World Cup Highlights
Fulltime: USA 1-0 Iran
It’s total mayhem in the end, as Iran screams again for a penalty, but there’s no call, and instead, the referee blows the final whistle. America is in the knockout stage! Meanwhile, Iran is out.
Christian Pulisic delivers the tournament-defining moment, scoring the winner but injuring himself in the process. The rest of the team hung on by the hair on their sugar chin chins to win 1-0. It’s the biggest moment of Pulisic’s career, Greg Berhalter engineers the fewest goals for this team at the World Cup, snapping a five-game winless streak in the process.
90+9 min: Haji Wright has the ball on the break, but instead of going straight for a corner he shoots and it’s weak, straight at Alireza Beiranvand.
90+8 min: Chance, Iran! Wow! It’s a mess in the penalty area, and the ball goes off Matt Turner’s feet, but eventually, it’s cleared before curling gently over the line. Iran screamed for a penalty on Cameron Carter-Vickers, who appeared to pull Mehdi Taremi with his arm on his shoulder, but the VAR check ended without a review.
90 + 6 min: Abolfazal Jalali is shown a clear yellow card when the US midfielder pulls back Younis Musah as he looks for a break after winning the ball. There are still at least three minutes of added time.
90+2 min: Chance, Iran! Iran has a very dangerous set-piece chance on the left after a foul. The ball is sharp, and Morteza Pouraliganji gets his head on a dive, but his effort goes wide of the near post. That was a great chance, and maybe he should have scored.
89th minute: A few free-kicks in the US Milk midfield. The nine-minute stoppage time is approaching. wait a minute
87th minute: Wow, the U.S. comes so close to a big chance, as Brendan Aaronson does well to get clear from the end line to the left, but his lifted looper in front of the net goes over the head of Haji Wright, and Shaq Moore’s follow-up is off the mark.
86th minute: It’s TENSE. With Iran controlling the force, America is hanging on for its life. Iran are not able to make a shot work, but they have the ball in dangerous areas. The American defenders have so far stood tall. Tyler Adams makes a great tackle at the top of the zone.
82nd minute: Yes! The ball soars into the air in the goal mouth, and with Matt Turner it seems like forever. Iran’s players are calling for a handball, but replays show there is none. A player on the Iran bench is shown a yellow card.
The given video is available in US
Iran gets a huge chance but Matt Turner handles it 🔒 pic.twitter.com/Kc1VvKFD4Z
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 29, 2022
80th minute: The game has developed into a very physical battle. Josh Sargent has tears in his eyes as he walks off the field, which is terrifying to watch. More members are being prepared for the USMNT, with Walker Zimmerman and Shaq Moore set to come in for Tim Weah and Sergino Dest. Gregg Berhalter is going to push for a 1-0 result. It’s going to be the last 15 minutes of what feels like an hour.
74th minute: Josh Sargent is down, clutching his knee, after landing awkwardly on the ball. He receives lengthy treatment and limps off the field. With Haji Wright coming in, it looks like he will have to be replaced. Majid Hosseini received a yellow for an apparently late tackle on Brendan Aaronson.
70th minute: Iran’s Saeed Izatolahi takes aim from distance but fires wide. It’s a scary time for the US as Iran begins to build pressure as time runs out.
There are a couple of substitutes, as Mehdi Torabi and Abolfazal Jalali both come in for Haji Safi and Ahmad Nourollahi.
68th minute: USA has a chance on a set-piece, Brendan Aaronson is fouled in the central area at the top of the box. They have their best free-kick taker on the field in Kellyn Acosta, but it’s Yunus Musah who calls him, and he shoots it. In fairness, it was very tight in the 18-yard box from the central area, which is one of the most difficult places to get a goal.
65th minute: Chance, Iran! The game should be level, but the salmon horses miss! It’s a defensive disaster for the US as some ominous bubbles fall on the white jersey, and Ghoddos has a window to take aim in the top right corner, but misses wide. Not enough curls. This is a big discount for America.
Kellyn Acosta now leaves Weston McKenney for the United States. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford scored again for England, who will win the group.
The given video is available in US
62nd minute: Neither side has threatened on goal in the last 5-10 minutes, with both sides looking for an opening. Tim Ream makes a crucial clearance after Iran counters down the right.
Greg Berhalter is preparing Kellyn Acosta to come off the bench, possibly for Weston McKenney, who looks spent. Meanwhile, Ramin Rezaian goes down screaming in pain, but pops up after the referee calls his bluff. Her reaction made it look bad, but it’s all a bluff.
55th minute: Mehdi Taremi almost crosses Cameron Carter-Vickers on the finish line, but the ball ends up in Matt Turner’s arms. Carter-Vickers walled Taremi at the start, and did well to gain a good position, but then just… stopped, allowing Taremi to get back on the ball, but it was too late.
52nd minute: Chance, USA! Sergino Dest almost gets one in front of goal, but his header goes over! Substitute player Saman Ghoddos who came for Sardar Ajmon at half time made an excellent defense.
48th minute: Josh Sargent has a good hit from a tight angle, but Alireza Beiranvand covers the space and the shot is in his stomach.
FOX Broadcasting gives an update on Christian Pulisic, who has an abdominal injury. No wonder Alireza Beiranvand’s knee went into his stomach in goal.
The given video is available in US
Sargent forces a save to get things started in the second half 😤@USMNT pic.twitter.com/XBH7PW7il2
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 29, 2022
47th minute: Both teams have half-chances early in the half, but it’s cut back at both ends.
In the next game, England took the lead just after half-time through a Marcus Rashford goal, then minutes later Phil Foden added a second. They are almost certainly at the top of the group. Gareth Bale came off at half-time for Wales.
46th minute: There’s a change for the USA, and if you’re an American fan it’s not what you want to hear. Christian Pulisic comes on, replaced by Brendan Aaronson when he is set to start the second half.
Pulisic has made his mark, and now it’s everyone else’s turn to stand tall.
Halftime: USA 1-0 Iran
This game is far from over, but the United States have made the all-important breakthrough and looked the better side through the opening 45 minutes. Christian Pulisic’s goal was a watershed moment, as the American attacker put his body on the line to score a career-defining goal.
Still, the U.S. should maintain its lead and maybe even grab another one. The U.S. led by Greg Berhalter had the better of the first half but got worse after the break. This will be a big test for the young USA team.
As for Iran, they were well beaten in the first half, and changes will be needed to make some of their attacking moves. If they don’t find an equalizer, there is sure to be a lot of pressure on them as the game progresses.
45+6 min: USA goal disallowed! Tim Weah has the ball in the back of the net, but he’s offside! It’s very tight because the through-ball from midfield was brilliant. Replays showed he was only inches offside, it’s that tight, but the play was waved off meaning the technology confirmed the decision.
The given video is available in CANADA
Timothy Weah thought he'd finished it off with otherworldly precision, but the flag is raised and the match remains 1-0. #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/I6136gL3aE
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) November 29, 2022
The given video is available in US
So. Close.
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 29, 2022
An offside call rules out a potential second goal for the USMNT 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/mKGnvpQi0m
This close to a 2nd for USA pic.twitter.com/Wwb1UZxajj
— Stu Holden (@stuholden) November 29, 2022
45+3 min: Iran is forced into a change, as left-back Milad Mohammadi stretches for the ball and apparently pulls something. Ali Karimi has replaced him.
45th minute: Chance, USA! They blew two-two-two! Spread by Tyler Adams, it’s Josh Sargent and Tim Weah who are free with only two defenders, but they can’t open space and the final pass is intercepted by Weah. Brilliant defense from Iran on this break.
43rd minute: Still a man down, Tyler Adams draws a yellow card for barging on Haji Safi to stop a counter. This is his first competition.
Pulisic returned, to loud applause. This is a big moment for the American leader who is going to ride it out as much as possible.
40th minute: Christian Pulisic is still in the net. This is a big concern for the US who could lose a player of Pulisic’s quality. Play resumes momentarily with the US down to 10 men. Greg Berhalter has a big decision to make. Pulisic is struggling to walk behind the goal with the help of the team doctor. He is doing his best to recover and return. Pulisic goes back to the fourth official as Berhalter tells his team to slow down.
38th minute: Goal! United States of America! They have a breakthrough! It’s a wonderful switch from Weston McKennie to Sergino Dest on the right, and his cross finds a streaking Christian Pulisic on the doorstep for a finish.
Pulisic is hurt, as he doesn’t get to celebrate his incredible moment. He appears to have taken a knee from the goalkeeper to the right midsection. It’s a shame because it’s a career-defining moment for the American star.
The given video is available in CANADA
Christian Pulisic fully commits to give U.S.A. the lead! Unfortunately, it's left Pulisic pretty shaken up as he's attended to by medical staff. #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/bqrQL7DdCV
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) November 29, 2022
The given video is available in US
PULISIC PUTS THE USMNT ON TOP 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸@USMNT pic.twitter.com/nkcQ5DDU0i
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 29, 2022
37th minute: Christian Pulisic hits the second USA corner of the game. He’s clearly been terrible at taking corners for years now. He did well against England to offer some hope, but it was a nightmare for him. He struggles to beat the first man, driving the ball straight without enough height.
33rd minute: Chance, USA! Tim Weah misses again! He has a good chance from inside the top of the penalty area, but the rifle has a high chance! He had no one to shut him down, and had to produce a better effort. America is piling on the pressure but still has nothing to show for it.
The given video is available in US
Tim Weah gets a look at goal but sends it above the crossbar 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/GIGafBZubO
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 29, 2022
31st minute: Carter-Vickers intercepts Nourollahi to allow Turner to call the ball through, and the Iranian midfielder is on the mend. Meanwhile, Greg Berhalter is in the fourth official’s ear to discuss possible time-wasting, which Iran has been doing all game, understandably.
30th minute: Sustained pressure from the United States leads to few chances. The latter belonged to Sergino Dest, who created it for himself by driving past defenders from the right flank to the top of the penalty area. His effort is from a good position but it is blocked by a defender.
27th minute: Chance, USA! Oh Tim WEAH, you should score there! A shot from Josh Sargent popped straight into the air and fell to Weah only to beat the goalkeeper. He had time to settle down, but Alireza leads it in Beiranvand. A great opportunity was wasted.
The given video is available in US
What a CHANCE for the USMNT 😳 pic.twitter.com/jyg1QlRAiU
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 29, 2022
23rd minute: Christian Pulisic is very unlucky, as he is in a great position to receive a cutback from Yunus Musah, but the ball fizzes harder than he expected and hits him square in the face. ouch
20th minute: Great move by Tim Ream to stop a promising Iran attack. If he had not been there, Sardar Ajmon was at the goal. Fulham’s elder statesman hasn’t put a foot wrong in all competitions.
The given video is available in US
This challenge by Tim Ream 😤🔥@USMNT pic.twitter.com/fp8i2P3t9E
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 29, 2022
17th minute: Chance, USA! Sergino Dest’s brilliant ball into the box almost finds a mark to end a set of American pressure, but no one can meet it! Somehow, Christian Pulisic and Josh Sargent both smash the ball.
11th minute: Christian Pulisic gets his head on Younes Musah’s cross, but his leap is off balance and it produces a weak effort that is well past goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
Tyler Adams has words with Cameron Carter-Vickers, who was inserted into the lineup for today’s game. The instructions seemed to be for CCV to step up and not let the ball reach the striker. After a while, he does just that.
9th minute: Chance, USA! On an early cross into the penalty area, Alireza Beiranvand makes a big punch in the air. The bubbling ball eventually reaches Younis Musah at the top of the penalty area, but he blasts his shot miles high.
The given video is available in US
The @USMNT is building up the chances early 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/4TH8Yl8MBt
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 29, 2022
8th minute: A great start to the game for Tyler Adams, who was first spotted with the ball out on the left in attacking possession before stopping Iran’s break. He is incredibly important to this American side.
5th minute: Nervous moments for the US defense as Iran have great possession that breaks into the penalty area, but many deliveries do not reach their goal. A very lively Iran to start the game, along with USA.
2nd minute: Christian Pulisic has a great early chance on the counter, with a two-on-one supported by Josh Sargent, but instead of squaring Sargent he stays forward charging the ball and is disposed of by Majid Hosseini from behind. It’s a great tackle, but Pulisic has to pass that ball.
The given video is available in US
Pulisic is applying pressure early 👀 pic.twitter.com/TYQYqdth4l
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 29, 2022
1st minute: Iran already have a free-kick on the right flank, and the delivery is good, but Tyler Adams header turns it away. Asian side in initial possession.
Kickoff! We are on our way! Reminder: USA needs a win, and Iran needs a win or a draw. That’s it, no more tiebreakers to worry about!
USA vs Iran lineup, team news
The questions surrounding the United States heading into the final group games are less about injuries and more about personnel decisions: Will Borussia Dortmund’s Gio Reina start? If not, how many minutes does he get? After Josh Sargent (vs Wales) and Haji Wright (vs England), is it Jesus Ferreira’s turn in the tough spots against Iran?
USA (4-3-3, right to left): 1-Matt Turner (GK) — 2-Sergino Dest, 3-Walker Zimmerman, 13-Tim Ream, 5-Anthony Robinson — 8-Weston McKenney, 4- Tyler Adams, 6-Yunus Musa – 21-Tim Weah, 9-Jesus Ferreira, 10-Christian Pulisic.
Feyenoord winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh is suspended for a yellow card and will not play for Iran. Carlos Queiroz has indicated that goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand was ruled out of the win over Wales due to concussion protocol but will be available against the US.
There are injury concerns surrounding Bayer Leverkusen forward Sardar Ajmon, but it’s hard to see him missing out on what could be a historic game for his country.
Iran (4-4-2, right to left): 1-Alireza Beiranvand (GK) — 23-Ramin Rezaian, 19-Majid Hosseini, 8-Morteza Pouraliganji, 5-Milad Mohammadi — 17-Ali Gholizadeh, 21-Ahmed Nourollahi, 6-Sayed Izatolahi, 3-Ehsan Hajsafi – 20-Sardar Azmon, 9-Mehdi Taremi.
USA vs Iran Live Stream, TV Channel
This final match of Group B will be played at Al Thuma Stadium. Here’s how you can see all the action in some key global regions.
| TV Channel | Time | Date | Time | Streaming | |
| USA | Fox, Telemundo | 14:00 ET | Tue, Nov. 29 | 14:00 ET | fuboTV, Fox Sports site/app, Telemundo Deportes site/app, Peacock |
| Canada | TSN 2, RDS (French) | 14:00 ET | Tue, Nov. 29 | 14:00 ET | TSN site/app, RDS app |
| UK | BBC Two | 19:00 GMT | Tue, Nov. 29 | 19:00 GMT | BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website |
| Australia | SBS VICELAND | 06:00 AEDT | Wed, Nov. 30 | 06:00 AEDT | SBS On Demand |
| India | — | 00:30 IST | Wed, Nov. 30 | 00:30 IST | Voot, JioTV |
| Hong Kong | Now TV (Ch. 619, 617) | 03:00 HKT | Wed, Nov. 30 | 03:00 HKT | Now TV |
| Malaysia | Astro Arena 2 | 03:00 MYT | Wed, Nov. 30 | 03:00 MYT | Astro GO |
| Singapore | StarHub TV FIFA World Cup 2 | 03:00 SGT | Wed, Nov. 30 | 03:00 SGT | Singtel TV GO, CAST, StarHub TV+, MeWatch |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport 1 NZ | 08:00 NZDT | Wed, Nov. 30 | 08:00 NZDT | Sky Go, Sky Sport NOW |