Iran vs USA

When: Today, 10pm Where: Al Thumama Stadium, Doha Capacity: 44,400

Key stats:

Iran were thrashed 6-2 by England in their group opener but then recovered to beat Wales 2-0.

The US have two draws, 0-0 against England after their opening 1-1 with Wales.

Iran have never gone past the group stage.

The US returns to the World Cup for the first time in eight years after failing to qualify for the 2018 showcase in Russia. Defender DeAndre Yedlin is the only player in the US squad with any World Cup experience.

With a spot in the knockout stages at stake, there will be added significance to a politically charged clash.

The geopolitical rivals have met once before at a World Cup in France 1998 in what at the time was dubbed “The Mother of All Games”.

Iran’s 2-1 win over the US that day was their first ever victory at a World Cup.

Prior to the match Iran presented the US team with white roses.

Previous meetings:

The two sides have met just twice before with the US having yet to win. Iran won their first meeting 2-1 at the 1998 World Cup before drawing 1-1 in an international friendly in 2000.