USA on course to face Iran in World Cup as FIFA brace for nightmare

The United States are predicted to potentially face Iran at this summer's World Cup amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The US will co-host this summer's tournament alongside Canada and Mexico, which will take place across June and July.

England are also making their way across the Atlantic this summer for the World Cup, with manager Thomas Tuchel overseeing a flawless qualification campaign with a 100 percent record.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino is currently at the helm of the United States Men's National Team (USMNT), who will compete in Group D in the tournament.

The US will face Paraguay, Australia and either Turkey or Kosovo in the group stages of the World Cup, with the final team to be determined via the play-offs during this international break.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Turkey are the favourites to overcome Kosovo and join the United States in Group D of this summer's World Cup and as such, a prediction has been made for the potential fixtures and path to the final, reports The Mirror.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

A report in The Sun, which has gathered data from Football Meets Data, forecasts that Turkey will emerge from the group as winners while the United States will finish as runner-up.

In Group G, Iran are grouped with Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt. If Iran were to finish runner-up in the group, and the US finish second in Group D, then both countries would proceed to meet in the next round.

AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, will host the round of 32 fixture on July 3 that could see the United States take on Iran in the opening knockout match of the World Cup.

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

Iran's involvement at this summer's World Cup has been surrounded by uncertainty ever since the conflict in the Middle East began last month.

US President Donald Trump confirmed on February 28 that a military operation was launched in Iran. This prompted Iran to launch retaliatory strikes, and the nation's place in the World Cup this summer has been thrown into doubt as a consequence.

Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House's World Cup task force, recently stated that he anticipates Iran will compete at this summer's World Cup despite the mounting uncertainty.

Football transfer news and rumours plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

"Right now, we're expecting the Iranian team to come,” Giuliani said, via the BBC. “I think it's a great opportunity for the Iranian diaspora here in the United States of America to be able to celebrate their country.

"We're doing everything we can to make sure it's safe and secure, but we need to open up the Department of Homeland Security to maximise our chances that this is not just a safe and secure World Cup, but truly an incredible success.”

Click here to read article