The USMNT will compete in Group D at the World Cup, facing Paraguay, Australia, and either Turkey or Kosovo, with the final team determined via play-offs during the current international break. A report in The Sun, using data from Football Meets Data, forecasts that Turkey will win Group D and the USMNT will finish as runner-up. If Iran finishes runner-up in Group G, which includes Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt, both teams would meet in the round of 32, with AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, set to host that fixture on July 3.
Iran's participation has been surrounded by uncertainty since the conflict in the Middle East began last month, after US President Donald Trump confirmed on February 28 that a military operation was launched in Iran and Iran launched retaliatory strikes. Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House's World Cup task force, anticipates Iran will compete at the World Cup despite the uncertainty. The tournament will take place across June and July, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the USMNT managed by Mauricio Pochettino.
Right now, we're expecting the Iranian team to come. 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
Iran is in Group G at the World Cup with Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt. It remains unclear what specific safety and security measures are being implemented for Iran's potential participation or how the ongoing Middle East conflict will impact Iran's travel and logistics for the tournament.