GENEVA (AP) — Iran will play at least one of its World Cup matches in the United States though the tournament draw on Friday avoided a group-stage clash between the geopolitical rivals.

U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino will take nothing for granted but with none of those nations ranked in the top 20 by FIFA it would be a major disappointment if his team failed to advance as one of the top two in Group D or via the safety net as a best-performing third-place qualifier.

The draw for the 48-team tournament to be held across North America next summer produced as a lavish, two-hour spectacle with no shortage of star power.

Inter Miami's Lionel Messi works out during a training session, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., ahead of Saturday's of the MLS Cup soccer match against the Vancouver Whitecaps. Credit: AP/Darryl Dyck BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Lionel Messi isn't saying if he plans to play in the 2026 World Cup.

According to Justin Thomas, the grounds crew "fought" and "argued" with the team about the green speeds at Bethpage Black.

Fans in Glasgow celebrate after Scotland draws World Cup Group C matches with Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti Supreme Court takes up Donald Trump's birthright citizenship order Airports will soon charge you $45 if you don’t have this ID.

President Donald Trump was awarded the new FIFA peace prize on Friday at the 2026 World Cup draw — giving the soccer spectacle to set matchups for the quadrennial tournament even more of a Trumpian flair.

As a World Cup co-host, the U.S. men's national soccer team has long known it was going to play in the tournament — no qualifying necessary. It also knew the venues and dates for its group-stage matches.