How the US can advance to World Cup Round of 16

Aaronson-2022WC

The eyes of the country will be on the U.S. Men's National Team on Tuesday as the scenario for advancing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup is simple against Iran: win and you are in.

According to FiveThirtyEight, the USA are an underdog to surpass Iran in Tuesday's Group B finale at 2PM ET on both FOX and Telemundo. FiveThirtyEight gives the USMNT the third-best chance to advance with England's chances at >99% followed by Iran at 58% while USA (38%) and Wales (5%).

While the main goal is to advance to the Round of 16, the Stars and Stripes can still win Group B with the following pair of scenarios:

  • USA earn first place in Group B if USA win AND England lose to Wales
  • USA earn first place in Group B if USA win by 5 or more goals AND England draw Wales

The U.S. enter the Group B finale in third place with 2 points after a pair of draws against Wales and England.