A match against Uruguay could be crucial for the United States, but head coach Gregg Berhalter urged his side not to look too far ahead after the Copa America draw was made in Miami.

Uruguay and USA are the two favourites to progress from Group C after the draw. It should be an intriguing battle to top the group with just one place separating the teams in the FIFA rankings - the South American side are 11th and Berhalter's tournament hosts sit 12th.

But USMNT will face matches against Bolivia and Panama before they take on Marcelo Bielsa's men for a potentially decisive clash in Kansas City on July 1.

And Berhalter urged his team to focus on collecting maximum points from those initial two clashes, even with the Uruguay game looming on the horizon.

Securing first place could be even more important on this occasion than in other tournaments. The team who finishes as runners-up in Group D are likely to face Brazil, who will be expected to top Group D, in the quarter-finals.

"It could be huge [against Uruguay] but I think there is danger in skipping past the first two games and thinking, 'It's the Uruguay game'," said Berhalter.

"Every game is going to be meaningful. Our goal is to get as many points as possible in the group stage and then continue on."

Berhalter knows his team will be expected to progress from the group, even though he does not feel it will be an easy assignment.

"That [high expectations] is the reality. For us, it’s about going on the field now and competing. 

"We know that you can be favourites and not win the game. 

"For us, it’s about being focused, trying to get momentum with the fans, and then trying to go as far as we can in this tournament and setting up the group in a way that we can continue on after the group stage."

Berhalter is excited about the 16-team tournament – which starts on June 20 – taking place on home soil and feels the USA supporters understand how significant hosting the event is.

He added: "I think they do. We have so many different cultures in the United States that I think there is going to be a huge appreciation for what is happening. 

"This is a mini-World Cup. The fans want to get a taste of what it’s going to be like in 2026. Now is time to check it out. 

"I think you are going to see some great stadiums, great soccer, competitive soccer, and some really great support.

"The whole idea with this and the World Cup is to try and really captivate the public and grow the game. That’s what we’re trying to do as a group. 

"The two sides of it are the public really getting to know our players as people because it’s a special group of guys, and then the second thing is performing well so that everyone wants to turn on the TV and watch us."

USA open their campaign against Bolivia in Dallas on June 23, before taking on Panama in Atlanta four days later.

It is world champions Argentina, who also won the last Copa America, who will open the tournament with a match against either Canada or Trinidad and Tobago, with the final qualification spots yet to be finalised.

Brazil, meanwhile, will start their Group D campaign against either Costa Rica or Honduras on June 24.

United States head coach Gregg Berhalter feels his side have been handed a tough draw in the 2024 Copa America, but he knew that was always likely to be the case.

Tournament hosts USA will take on Uruguay, Panama and Bolivia in Group C after the draw was made in Miami.

USMNT and Uruguay will be the initial favourites to progress from the pool and reach the quarter-finals.

But securing first place could be even more important on this occasion than in other tournaments, because the runners-up are likely to face Brazil, who will be expected to top Group D, in the last eight.

"It is a tough group," said Berhalter.

"I think any group that was going to be drawn was going to be difficult - the Copa America is a very difficult tournament. 

"For us, we’re excited to finally know our competitors. Now it’s about planning our game plans and getting ready to compete."

Berhalter is aware that getting the fans on side will be crucial to USA's chances of success at the tournament, which starts on June 20 and features 16 teams.

What was clear from the coach's reaction to the draw is that USA are thinking beyond just progressing from the group.

He added: "The important thing is we want to capture the fans. We want to get the country behind us and go on a run. 

"We know you have to get through your group first. After you get through your group, then it’s about a knockout tournament. 

"We’re trying to compete in that stage of the tournament and hopefully be competing for a trophy.

"It's really a dream come true for us that we’re hosting the tournament and we get to play at home. The guys are really excited about it and it’s really something to look forward to for us.

"There are no disadvantages [to hosting]. We are really looking forward to trying to get the home supporters behind us and really creating great momentum."

USA's first game will be against Bolivia in Dallas on June 23.

Christian Pulisic has expressed sympathy for Gregg Berhalter amid what he considers a "childish" saga involving Giovanni Reyna's family and the erstwhile United States head coach.

Berhalter's contract with US Soccer expired at the end of December, with the governing body putting any decision on his future on hold amid an investigation into claims he kicked his wife in a 1992 altercation.

The allegation – which Berhalter has admitted to – was brought to US Soccer's attention by Reyna's mother Danielle, who was angered by Berhalter's treatment of her son at last year's World Cup.

Reyna had limited playing time at the tournament, after which Berhalter suggested the Borussia Dortmund youngster was almost exiled from his squad due to poor behaviour.

US Soccer has appointed Anthony Hudson as interim boss, but it also confirmed Berhalter remains under consideration for a new deal when announcing the findings of the investigation this week, and national team winger Pulisic sympathises with the coach.

"I'm not here to appoint the next manager – it's not my job – and whoever it is, I'm going to play and give it 100 per cent," Chelsea's Pulisic told ESPN.

"Everything that happened with Gregg, first of all, has been handled in an extremely childish manner. I think we've seen what's been going on.

"I think it's childish, it's [like] youth soccer, people complaining about playing time. I don't want to go too far into that, but I think Gregg has been extremely unfortunate to get into the position he is in now."

The USA earned plaudits for their energetic performances as they reached the last 16 in Qatar last year, having failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Asked whether the team required major changes, Pulisic said: "I don't think it's necessary. We are not in a phase like we were after not qualifying, where we needed a complete rebuild.

"We don't need a bunch of new guys coming in. We have a strong core in my opinion, people have seen that and we need to carry on with that.

"It's a tough one for me because we should continue that as soon as we can and build off this World Cup, which I think had a lot of positives in it. We want to get going with that as soon as we can."

Gregg Berhalter remains under consideration for a new contract as United States head coach following an investigation into a 1992 domestic altercation with his wife, U.S. Soccer has confirmed.

Berhalter revealed in January he was the subject of an investigation pertaining to an incident in which he pushed and kicked Rosalind Berhalter, then his girlfriend, in a nightclub when they were both freshmen at the University of North Carolina.

It was subsequently revealed the incident was reported to U.S. Soccer by Giovanni Reyna's mother Danielle, who was angered by Berhalter's treatment of her son at last year's World Cup.

Reyna enjoyed limited playing time at the tournament, after which Berhalter suggested the Borussia Dortmund man was almost exiled from his squad due to poor behaviour in Qatar.

Berhalter's contract with U.S. Soccer expired at the end of December, though he said he was hopeful of returning to the post as a probe into the domestic altercation was announced.

While that investigation has concluded Berhalter did kick his wife, the legal firm that carried it out has advised U.S. Soccer there is no legal impediment to re-employing him.

A statement from U.S. Soccer read: "Upon learning of a serious allegation of past misconduct against then-U.S. Men's National Team head coach Gregg Berhalter, U.S. Soccer immediately engaged a team at Alston & Bird LLP to conduct an independent investigation into the matter. 

"U.S. Soccer takes seriously both allegations of violence and allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards our officials and staff.

"U.S. Soccer's process for determining who will serve as sporting director is ongoing, and interviews are underway. The sporting director will lead the process of determining who will serve as head coach of the Men's National Team. 

"Given the investigators' conclusion that there is no legal impediment to employing him, Gregg Berhalter remains a candidate to serve as head coach.

"The report also identifies a need to revisit U.S. Soccer's policies concerning appropriate parental conduct. We will be updating those policies as we continue to work to ensure safe environments for all participants in our game."

Gregg Berhalter was left devastated for his wife after Giovanni Reyna's mother revealed herself to be the one who reported the United States coach to U.S. Soccer over a domestic altercation in 1991 following perceived mistreatment of her son at Qatar 2022.

Berhalter revealed on Tuesday he was the subject of an investigation after he admitted to kicking his then-girlfriend Rosalind, who is now his wife.

He said U.S. Soccer was made aware of the incident by "an individual" who planned to "take me down" during the World Cup.

Danielle Reyna subsequently released a statement on Wednesday confirming she was the individual involved, explaining her actions stemmed from Berhalter seemingly referencing Giovanni when revealing a USA player was nearly sent home from Qatar for poor behaviour.

Giovanni's father, Claudio, a former USA team-mate of Berhalter, also confirmed he "shared my frustrations about my son's World Cup experience with a number of close friends, [U.S. Soccer sporting director] Earnie [Stewart] and [general manager] Brian McBride among them", but he insisted he never made any threats.

The saga has left a stain on American soccer, and Berhalter is particularly disappointed for his wife.

Speaking of the controversy for the first time publicly, Berhalter told the Harvard Business Review: "Our entire family is sad about these events, and it's something we want to move forward from.

"As we said in the statement, it was something we didn't hide from back then and isn't something we are prepared to hide from now, that's why we issued the statement.

"The events of that night 31 years ago and the lessons learned from that basically set the foundation for our relationship moving forward.

"It's a loving relationship, a devoted relationship, and we have four amazing kids to show for it. The worst part of it for me is my heart aches for my wife, because it was her story to tell if she chose to or not, and that's what just really saddens me."

Berhalter's original comments about Giovanni were erroneously published by the Charter newsletter after he spoke at the "HOW Institute for Society's summit on Moral Leadership".

He now regrets ever saying anything, despite believing he was not talking on the record.

"If I had to do it all over again I wouldn't have told that story," he added. "It brought too much attention to an overall shining example of team culture and teamwork. That would be something I'd go back and change, for sure."

Berhalter's contract with the USA ended last week and U.S. Soccer's probe into the 1991 incident is unlikely to have helped his chances of getting a renewal.

U.S. Soccer announced on Wednesday that Anthony Hudson will take charge of the team's upcoming January training camp, though Berhalter is hopeful of returning to the post.

"It's a fantastic group of players, a super high-potential group and we are competing in the World Cup in North America in 2026, so it would be amazing challenge for this team," Berhalter said.

"When we started in 2018, we wanted to change the way the world views American soccer and I think when you ask around the world now about our team, everyone sees us in a different light.

"But now it's about taking that next step, and that next step is doing something no US team has ever done, and that's get to the semi-finals [of a men's World Cup] and see what happens from there.

"There's a lot of great challenges involved, and of course I'd like to continue in my role."

Giovanni Reyna's mother Danielle told U.S. Soccer how Gregg Berhalter kicked his wife in 1991 as she was angered by treatment of her son after the World Cup.

Berhalter revealed on Tuesday he was the subject of an investigation as he admitted to the altercation.

The United States head coach said U.S. Soccer was made aware of the incident by "an individual" who planned to "take me down" during the World Cup.

Danielle Reyna has now released a statement confirming she was the individual involved, explaining her frustration at criticism of Giovanni.

"I thought it was especially unfair that Gio, who had apologised for acting immaturely about his playing time, was still being dragged through the mud when Gregg had asked for and received forgiveness for doing something so much worse at the same age," she said.

Berhalter had seemingly referenced Giovanni Reyna when he detailed how one USMNT player was almost sent home from Qatar due to poor behaviour.

The player criticised the "highly fictionalised versions of events", having been forgiven, he said, for a lack of effort in training after learning of his "limited role" in Berhalter's plans.

Also on Wednesday, Claudio Reyna, Giovanni's father and Danielle's wife, as well as a former USMNT team-mate of Berhalter, confirmed he had been in contact with key U.S. Soccer personnel, although he denied threatening the coach.

"While in Qatar, I shared my frustrations about my son's World Cup experience with a number of close friends, [U.S. Soccer sporting director] Earnie [Stewart] and [general manager] Brian McBride among them," he said.

"However, at no time did I ever threaten anyone, nor would I ever do so."

Berhalter's U.S. Soccer contract expired last week, with assistant Anthony Hudson set to lead the team in their January friendlies.

"U.S. Soccer is investigating the United States Men's National Team coach Gregg Berhalter, who has admitted kicking his wife during an argument over 30 years ago.

Berhalter on Tuesday confirmed that in December an individual had contacted U.S. Soccer.

The federation announced that it has launched an investigation into the incident.

In a statement posted on his official Twitter account, Berhalter said: "During the World Cup, an individual contacted U.S. Soccer, saying that they had information about me that would 'take me down' – an apparent effort to leverage something very personal from long ago to bring about the end of my relationship with U.S. Soccer.

"In the fall of 1991, I met my soulmate. We had been dating for four months when an incident happened between us that would shape the future of our relationship.

"One night, when out drinking at a local bar, Rosalind and I had a heated argument that continued outside. It became physical and I kicked her in the legs.

"There are zero excuses for my actions that night; it was a shameful moment and one that I regret to this day. At the time, I immediately apologized to Rosalind, but understandably she wanted nothing to do with me.

"I told my parents, family and friends what had happened because I wanted to take full responsibility for my behaviour. Rosalind also informed her parents, family and friends.

"While the authorities were never involved in this matter, I voluntarily sought out counselling to help learn, grow and improve – one of the most valuable decisions that I ever made. To this day, that type of behaviour has never been repeated."

Berhalter said "the lessons learned from that night over three decades ago became the foundation for a loving, devoted and supportive relationship" while explaining he and his wife, who co-signed the statement, were cooperating fully with U.S. Soccer's investigation.

U.S. Soccer's statement read: "Upon learning of the allegation against U.S. Men's National Team head coach Gregg Berhalter on December 11, 2022, U.S. Soccer immediately hired Alston & Bird LP to conduct an independent investigation into the matter.

"The investigation is being led by Jenny Kramer, Bay Pak and Chris Marquardt of Alston & Bird LLP and remains ongoing.

"Through this process, U.S. Soccer has learned about potential inappropriate behavior towards multiple members of our staff by individuals outside of our organisation. We take such behavior seriously and have expanded our investigation to include those allegations.

"We appreciate Gregg and Rosalind coming forward to speak openly about this incident. Consistent with our commitment to transparency, we will share the results of the investigation publicly when it is complete.

"U.S. Soccer condemns violence of any kind and takes such allegations very seriously."

Berhalter has not yet been confirmed as carrying on his role, with U.S. Soccer set to announce a decision in the coming days.

The USA were knocked out by the Netherlands in the last 16 of the Qatar World Cup.

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl described reports of poor behaviour from Giovanni Reyna during the United States' World Cup campaign as "incomprehensible."

Gregg Berhalter's young USA side suffered a last-16 exit against the Netherlands after finishing second in Group B at the tournament, with Reyna playing a limited role.

The attacking midfielder featured for a total of just 51 minutes in Qatar, and reports have since suggested the USA almost sent him home due to a lack of commitment in training.

Reyna labelled such reports "highly fictionalised" in a social media post on Monday, expressing disappointment that any dispute with Berhalter or his staff had been made public.

The 20-year-old has the backing of his club, with former BVB midfielder Kehl saying any questions over his professionalism are unjust.  

"The contents of the reporting on Gio Reyna have surprised us a lot in the last few days," Kehl told DPA.

"He's had a really difficult time with multiple injuries. We've known the boy for many years, even though he's only 20. 

"We see him as a good guy who works professionally and is a valued team-mate in the dressing room. 

"After a few days in Qatar, that this is now being fundamentally questioned is incomprehensible for us at BVB and does not do justice to Gio Reyna."

Having missed most of the 2021-22 campaign through injury, Reyna has also struggled for fitness this term, managing three Bundesliga starts and playing just 363 minutes in the competition.

Giovanni Reyna is "disappointed" with "highly fictionalised versions of events" following continued reports over his poor behaviour during the United States' World Cup campaign.

The USA were knocked out by the Netherlands in the round of 16, with Borussia Dortmund midfielder Reyna playing just 51 minutes at the tournament.

Reports suggested Reyna's playing time was limited because of his lack of effort in training, leading to the USA youngster narrowly escaping being sent home from Qatar.

The 20-year-old was also seen throwing his shin pads on the sidelines after not being selected to come on by coach Gregg Berhalter in the USA's opening 1-1 draw with Wales.

Reyna offered his side of the story on social media while calling for his team to unite, with the next World Cup in 2026 set to be played partly on home soil.

"I hoped not to comment on matters at the World Cup," Reyna said in a post on Instagram on Monday. "It is my belief that things that happen in a team setting ought to remain private. 

"That being said, statements have been made that reflect on my professionalism and character, so I feel the need to make a brief statement.

"Just before the World Cup, coach Berhalter told me that my role at the tournament would be very limited. I was devastated. 

"I fully expected and desperately wanted to contribute to the play of a talented group as we tried to make a statement at the World Cup. 

"I am also a very emotional person, and I fully acknowledge that I let my emotions get the best of me and affect my training and behaviour for a few days after learning about my limited role.

"I apologised to my teammates and coach for this, and I was told I was forgiven. Thereafter, I shook off my disappointment and gave everything I had on and off the field.

"I am disappointed that there is continuing coverage of this matter (as well as some highly fictionalised versions of events) and extremely surprised that anyone on the U.S. men's team staff would contribute to it.

"Coach Berhalter has always said that issues that arise with the team will stay 'in house' so we can focus on team unity and progress. I love my team, I love representing my country, and I am focusing now only on improving and growing as a soccer player and a person.

"I hope that going forward each person involved in U.S. Soccer focus only on what is in the best interest of the men's national team so we can enjoy great success at the World Cup in 2026."

The United States must be proud of their efforts at the World Cup in Qatar, but Christian Pulisic insisted the team "don't want to feel like this again."

A 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha saw the USA knocked out of the competition on Saturday.

While the Dutch had a quarter-final against either Australia or Argentina to look forward to, the USA's focus will now turn to developing their young squad further ahead of the 2026 edition.

That tournament will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, and feature 48 countries, and Pulisic wants to see a team with title-winning quality.

"Right now, it's just tough, you know? It hurts, after a tough loss like that, we feel like we could have had more," he said.

"It's another experience for all these guys, moments that we can be proud of. We don't want to feel like this again. We want to put ourselves in a position to win tournaments like this."

Pulisic missed a golden opportunity to open the scoring three minutes into the game, seeing a close-range attempt saved by Andries Noppert.

In contrast, Memphis Depay slotted away the Netherlands' first big opportunity, with Daley Blind making it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time.

"It happened so early in the game, and he made a good save," said Pulisic, who assisted Haji Wright for the USA's goal, which was swiftly cancelled out by Denzel Dumfries at the other end.

"They defended well for the most part, but I think when their first kind of two real chances went down, they just cut back, execute it, finish.

"We were down 2-0, but it didn't feel like it should be that way. But that's what good teams do."

USA coach Gregg Berhalter is approaching the end of his contract, and did not give much clarity over what his future holds.

Antonee Robinson, however, hopes Berhalter continues in the role as the USA look to build towards 2026.

"I hope so," said the Fulham full-back. "He's given a lot of boys a chance to develop with this group, and I feel like this whole time we've shown the type football we can play."

Gregg Berhalter backed the United States to take the next step on home soil in 2026 after seeing their encouraging World Cup run ended by the Netherlands on Saturday.

The USA suffered their fourth elimination in five World Cup last-16 ties at Khalifa International Stadium, as goals from Memphis Depay, Daley Blind and Denzel Dumfries gave the Oranje a 3-1 win.

Berhalter's team had 58.4 per cent of the possession and managed 17 shots during another energetic display, but they were unable to find a way back after falling behind 10 minutes in.

Head coach Berhalter said the USA – who will join Mexico and Canada in hosting the 2026 tournament – made clear progress in Qatar, only falling short due to a lack of a cutting edge.

"Today it was small moments. We're a very difficult team to play, a team other countries don't want to play against because of our intensity and movement," Berhalter said.

"What I would say is, when you look at the difference, to me there was offensive quality that the Netherlands had that we're lacking a little bit. 

"It's normal. We have a young group, players beginning their careers and we'll catch up to that, but we don't have a Memphis Depay right now, who plays at Barcelona and has played in the Champions League for years. Those are not excuses, that stuff is going to come.

"When you look at how we played, it should be positive. We should have confidence we can play against anyone in the world, the way we want to play, that's the important thing. 

"Now it's about taking that to the next level, where you can win in knockout games and keep going. They did a great job and we definitely put our stamp on this World Cup.

"I think this group is close. To be fielding the youngest starting XIs in the World Cup four times in a row, to still play the way we are, the American public should be optimistic. 

"We heard about the support we're getting from back home, it's something we really appreciate, we're sorry we couldn't win the game."

Asked whether he planned to lead the Stars and Stripes in four years' time, Berhalter added: "I've only been focused on the World Cup, achieving things with this group.

"In the next couple of weeks, I'll clear my head and think about what's next."

USA captain Tyler Adams echoed Berhalter's sentiments, expressing his pride in the team's efforts while emphasising the importance of their opponents' experience.

"I'm proud of the boys and we've shown we can hang with some of the best teams in the world," he told Fox Sports. "We've made progress and we will keep pushing. 

"We're not there yet, but we're close. It's exciting, the more time we have together, the more growth there will be. But we need to mature for matches like this.

"It comes down to the moments and the more experienced side got the better of us today."

Gregg Berhalter believes his United States team will capture the imagination of viewers at home after drawing on the "American spirit" to reach the World Cup's last 16 at Iran's expense.

Christian Pulisic's close-range finish fired the USA to a 1-0 win over Iran at the Al Thumama Stadium on Tuesday, ensuring the Stars and Stripes leapfrogged their opponents to finish second in Group B, behind England.

Pulisic was forced out of the contest after colliding with Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beyranvand as he scored the goal, but that blow was not enough to dampen Berhalter's spirits.

With the 2026 tournament taking place across the USA, Mexico and Canada, much of the talk around Berhalter's team has focused on their ability to win over new fans at home, and the head coach believes his men have done just that.

"I'm sure there was a bunch of people back home watching, and I think the US reporters have talked about defining this group, and it starts to take shape on these performances," Berhalter said.

"You see how unified this group is, how much energy they put into every game, and along the way there was some good soccer. 

"That's the American spirit, and I think people will appreciate that at home.

"There's no need to project how far this team can go. It's great to be in this knockout format, we will relish it, and we'll stick together and enjoy the experience. 

"The end of the game is really what I'm most proud of, to hang on in there, to get the win and not buckle. This is the first time in 92 years we've had two shutouts at a World Cup."

Having reached the round of 16 in each of their last three World Cup participations (2010, 2014 and 2022), the USA will take on the Netherlands at the Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday.

Chelsea attacker Pulisic has been involved in both of the USA's goals at this year's tournament (one goal, one assist), and only Landon Donovan in 2010 (three goals) has ever contributed to more for the team at a single World Cup.

Pulisic's recovery will undoubtedly be a key talking point in the build-up to Saturday's game, but Berhalter was unwilling to speculate on his condition.

"He was taken off due to injury," Berhalter said. "He was taken to hospital as a precaution. It was a blow to his abdomen, an abdominal injury. 

"We FaceTimed him after the game from the locker room, we got to see him and he's in good spirits.

"The goal was something we'd been taking about for a while, to get the team to shift over to one side. 

"That's the special quality Christian has, as soon as the ball is wide, he goes in with intensity, he crashes the box and makes it very difficult with his change of pace."

The USA have only reached the World Cup's quarter-finals on one previous occasion (in 2002), but Berhalter says they are not content with their achievements to date.

"It's a great opportunity, but we're not going into it thinking it's an honour. We deserve to be in the position we're in, we don't want to go home," he said. 

"Now it's about how we recover and prepare to play against this Dutch team, who have a very clear idea and are very well coached. We have to come up with a way to beat them."

In 1998, Lyon's Stade de Gerland played host to what has since become known as the most political match in World Cup history between the United States and Iran.

Relations between the two countries had been tense for three decades at the time, and Iran players were reportedly ordered by Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei not to walk towards their American counterparts during the pre-match handshakes.

Those pre-game formalities were carefully orchestrated to ensure the USA players were the ones walking during the pleasantries, but despite the political hostility, the Iranians handed white roses to their opponents as a peace offering and the two starting XIs posed for a joint photo.

The two nations will tussle for the first time in a competitive game since then on Tuesday, and despite the backdrop of civil unrest in Iran, this contest goes ahead with nowhere near the same kind of political intrigue.

Iran and the USA remain relatively hostile politically, but USA coach Gregg Berhalter was adamant that will not impact what occurs on the pitch during a game that is essentially a winner-takes-all encounter.

"I've played in three different countries, and I coached in Sweden, and the thing about soccer is you meet so many different people from all around the world, and you're united by a common love of the sport," Berhalter said.

"I envision the game being hotly contested for the fact that both teams want to advance to the next round – not because of politics or because of relations between our countries.

"We're soccer players and we're going to compete and they're going to compete and that's it."

Iran can secure their place in the last 16 with a draw, but the USA – who drew their first two matches – need to win.

The USA were eliminated by Iran as a result of a 2-1 loss in that infamous 1998 duel, which was also one of seven defeats they have suffered on matchday three on World Cup group stages.

They've only won their third group game once.

But the USA produced a positive performance during the draw with England, and Berhalter is happy his team have their destiny in their own hands.

"We win or we're out of the World Cup, and that's going to be the focus of ours in preparing the team," he added.

"Any time you're in a World Cup and you get to go into the last game controlling your destiny, that's a pretty good thing."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Iran – Sardar Azmoun

After being benched for the defeat to England, Azmoun started against Wales and carried real promise both in terms of his link-up play – their early disallowed goal was teed up by him – and his goalscoring threat.

His four shots was a team-high as was his 0.46 xG, he was just unfortunate in front of goal as he hit the post and saw a close-range header blocked by Wayne Hennessey.

Nevertheless, his performance was something of a statement after being left out on matchday one, and his pairing with Mehdi Taremi – who remarkably created eight chances last time out – will surely be key if Iran are to beat the USA.

United States – Christian Pulisic

The USA need to win, so they could do with their most-recognisable player leading by example in attack.

Pulisic had his moments against England, with his combined tally of five shots and chances created a high for his team, while he also generally worked hard, engaging in more duels (10) than any other USA player.

There's a perception Pulisic has failed to develop as many expected when he was younger, but this would be a great time to remind the doubters of his ability.

PREDICTION

According to Stats Perform's prediction model, the USA are more than twice as likely to win this game than Iran are, with their respective victory chances at 50.2 per cent and 24.1 per cent.

In fact, the supercomputer reckons a draw (25.7 per cent) is more likely than an Iran win, though crucially for Carlos Queiroz's men, a stalemate could be enough for progress as long as Wales don't beat England.

Gregg Berhalter apologised for US Soccer posting an altered Iran flag on social media but insisted he and the United States team knew nothing of it in a tense World Cup pre-match news conference.

The Group B meeting of the USMNT and Iran was always likely to be politically charged given the friction between the two countries.

In an early answer at his media briefing on Monday, Berhalter sought to head off such questions, saying: "When I think about this match, I know a lot of other constituents have a lot of feelings towards it.

"For us, it's a soccer game against a good team. It's not much more than that. It's a knockout game, both teams are desperate to go to the next round. That's how we're looking at this match."

But that did little to quell the line of questioning, which was not helped by a Twitter post on Sunday.

US Soccer uploaded an edited Iran flag without the emblem of the Islamic Republic in a move to support protestors in the country, where there has been unrest since the September death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in police custody after being arrested for her refusal to wear the mandatory hijab.

That post prompted outrage in Iran, including state-affiliated media Tasnim calling for the United States to be removed from the World Cup.

Tyler Adams, who was corrected on his pronunciation of "Iran", said the USMNT "support Iran's people and Iran's team" but are "laser-focused on this match".

Berhalter expanded more on the topic, replying initially: "We had no idea about what US Soccer put out, the staff, the players had no idea. Our focus is on this match.

"I don't want to sound aloof or not caring in saying that, but the guys have worked really hard for the past four years.

"We have 72 hours between England and Iran, and we really are just focused on how to get past Iran and go to the knockout stage of this tournament.

"Of course our thoughts are with the Iranian people, the whole country, the whole team, everyone, but our focus is on this match."

When Berhalter was asked again about the Twitter post, he said: "I can only reiterate that the players and the staff knew nothing about what was being posted. Sometimes things are out of our control.

"We believe it'll be a match where the result depends on who puts more effort on, who executes better on the field, not what happens outside.

"We can only apologise on behalf of the players and the staff. It's not something we're a part of."

Former USMNT coach Jurgen Klinsmann had not helped matters when he accused Iran of having "worked the referee" against Wales, suggesting getting to the match officials and pushing the boundaries of acceptability was "part of their culture".

Iran boss Carlos Queiroz responded in a series of Twitter posts, calling for Klinsmann to be sacked from a role with FIFA, but he would not answer questions on the matter at his own news conference.

Berhalter added little, saying: "I'm up here to discuss the game USA-Iran, not Jurgen Klinsmann.

"You're talking about a guy who's up on the TV. If you want a comment on what he said and how he said it, you should ask Jurgen."

But it was not only questions from Iranian reporters that caused Berhalter some discomfort, with US media relaying Eric Wynalda's claim the coach had asked Gio Reyna to lie about an injury to explain his absence from the USMNT's first match.

"Speaking of a four-year journey, there's been also four years of interacting with you guys," Berhalter said. "I'll leave it to you to decide if I asked Gio to lie about it.

"That's just not who I am, that's not what I represent. If you have to take Eric's word or my word or whatever, feel free. I know what happened. That's not what I represent.

"Like every other person, Gio's a member of this team we care deeply for, and we know he can help the team. It's a matter of when he can help us and how he can help us."

Gregg Berhalter is not speaking to Gareth Southgate – or at least Southgate is not speaking to Berhalter – but the United States head coach knows the huge pressure his England counterpart is under.

Berhalter and Southgate have grown close in recent years as they have led their countries' respective national teams, with the USMNT boss describing Southgate as a "mentor" after the two sides were drawn together at the World Cup.

The outcome of that draw has seen the pair drift apart of late, however, ahead of a meeting between the USMNT and England at Al Bayt Stadium on Friday.

"I've been WhatsApping him, but I haven't seen the blue checkmarks, so I don't know what's going on," Berhalter said with a smile on Thursday.

"We kind of took a hiatus. We'll pick up our relationship after tomorrow."

Berhalter has led the United States back to the World Cup after the disappointment of missing out on qualification for Russia 2018, where England excelled.

Southgate had taken charge of the Three Lions not long after their own darkest hour, a Euro 2016 defeat to Iceland.

"When he first took over, it was very similar to the position I first took over, trying to reshape the identity of the team, refocus, work with a younger group of players. In that case, it's very similar," Berhalter added.

Yet there is a difference between the situations the two men find themselves in, with the USMNT coach noting the reaction to a testing Nations League campaign for England.

"Following some of the things the last months, the pressure in the English media – or in England, in general – is tremendous, and that's different," Berhalter said.

"These guys [the media] give me a hard time every once in a while, but I don't think it's of the magnitude that Gareth gets it.

"We all know this is a results-orientated business and we're all accountable for the results we get on the field, but he's done a great job.

"You've heard me say this for the last year and a half: his record in major tournaments has been outstanding, and there's no denying that – fourth-placed finish in 2018, second-placed finish at the Euros.

"He's done a great job with this team, and they got off to a great start. They're a formidable opponent. It's going to be a difficult game for us."