United States guarantees Concacaf the round of 16

The United States and Iran played their most important game of the decade, and the team that will next host the 2026 World Cup needed only a victory to advance to the round of 16 in Qatar. Christian Pulisic “Captain America” ​​made the score, the only one in the game.

In each of their last two World Cup appearances (2010, 2014) the United States won at least one game and exited the group stage. And this 2022, the game was not easy. Iran led by the Portuguese Carlos Queiroz was fast, held the pace, stole balls, but when Pulisic’s goal fell, the Chelsea striker at minute 38 lowered the spirits of the Persians. The North Americans qualified as second, in a group in which England, who defeated Wales 3-0, passed as the leader and will face the Netherlands in the round of 16.

The captain was injured for scoring the goal. He crashed into Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand and lay on the ground for several minutes, eventually returning to the match but being substituted midway through.

Pulisic scored the 22nd international goal and his first in a World Cup game.

“Christian does those races. That’s what he does. That’s the special quality he has. As soon as the ball goes wide, it goes into the penalty area with intensity and good things happen,” said USA team coach Gregg Berhalter.

The United States Soccer Federation said that Pulisic was diagnosed with a pelvic contusion, but the same player confirmed that he will be ready to reactivate on Saturday.

“Every player is ready to put their body on the line to make sure this team succeeds,” midfielder Weston McKennie said.

Back at the World Cup after missing the 2018 tournament, the United States found a way to thrive. Iran finished third in the group with three points and have failed to advance in six World Cup appearances. “The dream is over,” Iran coach Carlos Queiroz said.

United States guarantees Concacaf representative in the round of 16 of the World Cup. The last World Cup without teams from the region was in 1982, according to data from the soccer specialist MisterChip.

“I always say it’s us against the world, because nobody believed that the United States could play good football,” winger Tim Weah said.

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