The world's most-watched sporting event is less than two months away, as Qatar gears up to host the 2022 World Cup between November 20 and December 18. Despite the glaring political tension that is difficult to overlook, Iran versus the USA is one of the most intriguing fixtures from Group B of the tournament.

The Stars and Stripes cannot overlook 'Team Melli', the AFC squad is expected to be the worst-performing team of Group B, but they are ranked just three positions below Wales (19^th) in the FIFA world rankings.

Iran and the USA will clash for the second time in their history; the previous encounter was at the World Cup in 1998. Iran defeated the USA 2-1 in a game that was predominantly hyped up through the political history between the two countries. And while it doesn't hold the same meaning more than 20 years later, the United States will look to rectify this losing record.

A familiar face returns to Iran

After months of speculation, Carlos Queiroz returned as the head coach to a team he's had much success with after leading them to their third successive World Cup – a first-time achievement for Iran after Brazil in 2014 and Russia 2018.

Under the tutelage of Queiroz, Iran delivered their most credible World Cup performance in Russia, beating Morocco and holding Portugal to a tie before losing their final fixture of the group stage against Spain to collect four points. They, unfortunately, missed the knockout stages by a small margin, but their efforts cannot be denied the respect it deserves.

Upon his return, Queiroz wrote on Instagram: "When the family calls you home, all you do is simply just show up. Fully committed to your duties and ready for the mission.

"Let’s do it together, lads! To the future! Thank you so much team Melli.”

The former Portugal and Real Madrid coach will have another chance at World Cup qualification following his return to the Iranian management position last month. Queiroz has a little more than two months to decide on his 26-man squad traveling to Qatar. Still, we can assure you he’s kept a close eye on the Iranian nationals during his time spent outside of the management position.

“We will do our best both on and off the field to get ready for the competition. It’s our responsibility to improve the conditions and make progress and always move forward,” Queiroz told the press.

After managing 100 games for Iran, Queiroz is highly respected, with 60 wins, 27 draws, and 13 losses.

The Iran squad has had several new players since Queiroz last managed the side, but 16 of the 23 players he selected for Russia 2018 have the potential to return in 2022.

Hull City standout Allahyar Sayyadmanesh was recently named one of the 60 best young talents in the world, and we can be confident the youngster will make an appearance on Queiroz’s squad for Qatar.

Iran isn’t known for their prolific team line-up, and the USA will undoubtedly own the advantage in terms of talent. However, ‘Team Melli’ holds a more significant World Cup experience advantage over their North American foes in addition to the bragging rights taken from their previous meeting on soccer's biggest stage in 1998.

Qatar 2022 squad analysis: USA

If Iran were to capitalize on a Team USA weakness, the warning signs would point towards the defensive options for head coach Gregg Berhalter. AC Milan’s Sergino Dest and Inter Milan’s DeAndre Yedlin are special forces for the USA backline. Still, the rest of the defenders are relatively unknown, lacking overall experience.

 The same problems don’t translate over to USA’s midfield selection. Weston McKennie, Luca de la Torre, Malik Tillman, and Tyler Adams are playing for big-named teams in Europe, and the likes of Kellyn Acosta from LAFC have 50-caps for his country. Gio Reyna can make a big difference for the US team; see the odds at BetMGM New York sportsbook because the Borussia Dortmund winger competes at the highest level of soccer at such a young age of 19, proving his worth.

It should come easy for betting enthusiasts relying on the US’s attack force; Christian Pulisic is a world-class Premier League striker for Chelsea. And while he’s struggled to make the starting XI for the Blues this season, the odds suggest he’ll be the biggest attacking threat for teams facing the USA.  

Qatar 2022 squad analysis: Iran

Bettors putting their faith in Iran can rest assured this defensive unit won’t be easy to penetrate. The Iranian captain Ehsan Hajsafi has 120-caps and seven goals for his country and will work alongside fellow AEK Athens defender Milad Mohammadi. These two defenders can work effortlessly together and will be the cement of this Iran defense.

Saman Ghoddos is the most notable midfielder for Iran; the Brentford man will enter the World Cup with Premier League experience and will be expected to assist in the creation of goals while supplying an alternative attacking option.

Up front, Iran is spoilt for choice. Alireza Jahanbakhsh of Feyenoord, Mehdi Taremi of FC Porto, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Sardar Azmoun are all competing at a high level domestically and are consistent goalscorers.

Considering the quality of options Iran owns in the final third, Queiroz will be making full use of what is Asia’s best opportunity to make the Round of 16.

Iran vs. USA Prediction

Given the mixed level of talent on both teams, I’d expect this game to provide a tense 90 minutes where each manager refuses to utilize an all-out-attack style of play. Iran and the USA could cancel one another out depending on the current state of Group B. As this meeting is the final game of the group stage, the variables entering this fixture could hold different meanings for each squad.

I anticipate a tie with a lack of goals in a tightly-fought contest. Unless a goal difference factor can determine a position in the Round of 16, a 0-0 or 1-1 scoreline is a result that makes sense. Four of Iran’s previous six games have seen under 2.5 goals, and the exact same statistic can be said for the USA.