Iran’s 2-0 victory over Wales on Friday took one team away, hurt another and made more clarity of what the United States must do to advance from Group B.
The United States and England meet in a late game on Friday. On Tuesday, England will play group stage matches with Wales, while the United States will play against Iran.
Only two of the four teams can advance. If the teams finish tied on points in the group standings, the first tie-break is goal difference – the difference between goals scored and goals allowed in the three group matches. The second tiebreaker is the number of goals scored. It gets more complicated after that.
Here’s a look at what the United States needs to do Advance to the round of 16.
If the United States beat England:
The standings will be: USA 4, England and Iran 3, Wales 1.
The Americans will advance by winning or drawing against Iran.
If the USA loses to Iran, they will be eliminated if England beat Wales. If Wales beat or draw England, the group will come down to a tie-break.
If the United States connects England:
The standings will be: England 4, Iran 3, USA 2, Wales 1.
The Americans will advance by defeating Iran. They will be eliminated by a draw or a loss.
If the United States loses to England:
The standings will be: England 6, Iran 3, USA and Wales 1.
If the USA beat Iran next, they will advance if England beat Wales or draw. If Wales won, the group would come down to a tie-break.
The Americans will be eliminated by a tie or loss to Iran.
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