The'2022 World Cup in Qatar'features plenty of intriguing matchups'in the group stage. One match soccer fans can't wait for is USA vs. Iran slated for next week
These two storied nations have some history with each other in the World Cup. Here's everything you need to know about this rivalry before they square off on Tuesday, Nov. 29.
USA vs Iran World Cup History
This year isn't the first time USA and Iran will face each other at the FIFA World Cup. However, it is their first team colliding in over 20 years.
The Americans and Iranians faced off back in 1998 for a group stage clash in what was described as the "most politically charged game in World Cup history." After all, the United States supported Iraq in its war against Iran at the team, resulting in high tensions between both sides involved.
Before the match began, Iranian players handed white roses to the Americans as a symbol of peace, which ended up calming things between the sides. From there, Iran battled hard for 90 minutes, securing a 2-1 victory over the United States in what was the country's first-ever win at the World Cup.
Unfortunately, neither side ended up advancing beyond the group stage. Iran wound up finishing third while the United States placed fourth in Group F. Only time will tell if the countries can avoid a different fate this time around.
USA vs Iran All-Time Record in Soccer
The 1998 World Cup collisio n was the first and only time that the United States and Iran met in soccer action. It's been 24 years since the Iranians' 2-1 victory, making it interesting to see just how much has changed since then.