Iran vs USA: World Cup head-to-head record
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Iran and the USA have met twice in World Cup history, with each side winning once. Iran claimed a famous 2-1 victory over the USA at France 1998, while the USA reversed that result with a 1-0 win at Qatar 2022. The all-time World Cup record reads: played 2, Iran won 1, drawn 0, USA won 1 — making it one of the most evenly contested and politically charged rivalries in the tournament's history.
Both meetings came in the group stage, adding high-stakes urgency to an already intense fixture. Neither match has ended level, and goals have been at a premium — just five scored across the two games combined.
All-time World Cup head-to-head summary
Across their two World Cup encounters, Iran and the USA are perfectly level on wins, though the USA holds a slight edge in goals scored (2) versus goals conceded (2) — an exact mirror of Iran's record. The fixture has never been decided by more than one goal, reflecting how closely matched the two sides have been on the world stage.
Full results table: Iran vs USA at the World Cup
| Year | Tournament Stage | Matchday | Result | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Group Stage (France) | Matchday 2 | USA 1-2 Iran | Iran |
| 2022 | Group Stage (Qatar) | Matchday 10 | Iran 0-1 USA | USA |
What makes this rivalry notable
Beyond the football, the Iran–USA World Cup fixture carries enormous geopolitical weight given the long-strained diplomatic relationship between the two countries. The 1998 meeting in Lyon is widely remembered as one of the most politically symbolic matches in World Cup history, attracting a global audience far beyond typical group-stage interest. The 2022 rematch in Qatar rekindled that drama, with the USA advancing from Group B as a result. If the two nations meet again at the 2026 World Cup, you can track the live score and full schedule at Bola 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the Iran vs USA match at the 1998 World Cup?
Iran won 2-1 against the USA at the 1998 World Cup in France. It was a Group F, Matchday 2 fixture and remains one of the most politically significant games in World Cup history.
Who won the Iran vs USA match at the 2022 World Cup?
The USA won 1-0 against Iran at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The match was played on Matchday 10 of the group stage (Group B), and the result sent the USA through to the round of 16.
Have Iran and the USA ever drawn in a World Cup match?
No. Across their two World Cup meetings — in 1998 and 2022 — there have been no draws. Each game produced a one-goal winning margin, with each side claiming one victory.