Will Iran and U.S play against each other in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Prediction market on metaculus. Following a long public discourse, it has now been announced by FIFA president Gianni Infantino that [Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted in the USA. ](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/30/iran-world-cup-gianni-infantino) Team USA is part of Group D with the Iranian team being part of group G.  While in the Group stage it's impossible for the two teams to meet, there are many different ways for the two teams to meet in the knockout rounds.

Resolves: 7/21/2026.