World Cup 2022 England vs Iran – how to watch, stats and kickoff

England’s first game in the World Cup – and only the second match of the tournament – is against high-pressing Iran.

England will then face team USA and finally Wales in Group B. The three lions need to make it out the group stage first before eyeing up the route to the final.

The team will be looking to do one better than their last World Cup – having made it to the semi-finals in 2018 and to the final in the 2020 European Championships.

Iran, managed by former Manchester United assistant Carlos Quieroz, have appeared at five world cups (1978, 1998, 2006, 2014 and 2018) before Qatar. But they have never reached the knockout stages. Their 1-0 win over Morocco in the 2018 world cup was only their second win in the tournament. 

Iran are the lowest rank team in Group B at 20th in the world. 

But England are facing some defensive issues, mainly with Kyle Walker not being available for the first game and Harry Maguire, who’s had a difficult time defensively in recent months, looks to be part of the starting eleven. There’s also Trent Alexander-Arnold who has yet to make an impression in an England shirt – despite his excellent play at club level. 

What date is the England vs Iran match? 

The match between England and Iran will take place on Monday, November 21 at 1 pm UK time. 

You can watch the match on BBC1 or BBC iplayer with coverage starting at 12pm UK time. 

Where is the England vs Iran game being played? 

England’s first match will be played in the Khalifa Internation Stadium in Doha. The stadium seats 45,000 and was built in 1976. It was revamped between 2014 and 2017 and is just seven miles from Doha city centre – the stadium is served by the city’s metro and is easy to get to and from. 

The stadium is no stranger to big events, having served the 2019 World Athletics Championship and two games from the 2019 World Club Cup. It is named after Qatar’s former Emir, Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, and is the home stadium for the national team. 

The stadium will host six group-stage games. 

What TV channel is England vs Iran on? 

You can watch the match live on BBC One or stream it on BBC iPlayer. 

Team news  – England vs Iran 

Whilst this is a game many expect England to win, its important not to think it’s just an easy win. 

Iran will press high, and teams have not had long to prepare for the world cup.

It’s important England start their World Cup campaign strong and use the group stages to build up confidence in the team and themselves. 

Harry Maguire is undoubtedly the main topic of conversation for this game. The inclusion of Maguire in Southgate’s team was the most controversial call – with many asking how he was even considered. 

England’s biggest weakness in this campaign is in defence. Reece James and Ben Chilwell are not included in the team due to injury and Kyle Walker is not available for the first game – he’s only recently returned to football after surgery. 

Maguire has not been in form at club level and lost his place at Manchester United, only recently returning from injury.

He has started just one Premier League game in the past three months after losing his place at United, but Southgate’s faith in Maguire has remained. 

Maguire has remained in good form for the national team, and it’s likely he’ll be part of the starting eleven for the Iran game – it’ll be a great way to build his confidence as well. 

Southgate will need to decide if he wants to start with his favoured back three or play a four-man defence.

He could opt to partner Maguire with John Stones in a back four – or use Eric Dier in a three-man back-line. 

Wherever he plays, Maguire will be desperate to repay the trust of the boss. Maguire seems to work well under Southgate and this World Cup campaign could help revive his club career.