Gregg Berhalter made two notable changes to the squad for Tuesday’s make or break match against Iran.
Gregg Berhalter has made two major changes to the United States men’s national team starting lineup ahead of Tuesday’s make or break match against Iran.
Josh Sargent, who started up top for the USMNT in the opening group stage match against Wales, will start at striker once again, replacing Haji Wright. On the opposite end of the pitch, Cameron Carter-Vickers will see his first-ever World Cup action at centerback in place of veteran Walker Zimmerman.
The lineup will mark the youngest starting XI of any team at the Qatar World Cup thus far.
Here’s a look at Berhalter’s complete choices for the USMNT’s final group stage match.
The U.S. will have to be aggressive Tuesday as a draw does the team no good. Only a win over Iran, which currently sits second in Group B following a win over a short-handed Wales squad, will move the American side into the round of 16.
Berhalter will have plenty of attacking options off the bench, including Brenden Aaronson and Gio Reyna, who have both played in limited capacities in the team’s first two matches. Jesús Ferreira, who some fans thought would give the U.S. a boost up front as a starting striker, will also be available as a substitute.
Kickoff between the United States and Iran is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET on Fox.