The U.S. soccer team might go to Iran in November for the first match between the nations in almost a decade. USSF president Sunil Gulati said Wednesday the game could be held in Tehran on Nov. 14 or 18. The United States was upset 2-1 by Iran at the 1998 World Cup in France, then played a 1-1 tie against the Iranians in an exhibition at Pasadena, Calif., in January 2000.
"We've had discussions with the Iran federation about possibly playing a game during one of the international FIFA dates in November," Gulati said in a statement. "Obviously, these discussions are in the very preliminary stage due to the fact that both teams are still attempting to qualify for the World Cup and it is uncertain if either country would even be available to play on those dates, but it is something we are considering."
The U.S. cannot clinch a World Cup berth until September at the earliest. Iran is trying to climb from fourth place in Asia Group B and earn a spot in next year's 32-nation tournament. A game on Nov. 14 would be more likely. Many American players figure to have league matches with European clubs on Nov. 21, and Major League Soccer's MLS Cup final is on Nov. 22 in Seattle.