LeBron James, J.J. Watt, Patrick Mahomes, other U.S. sports stars celebrate USMNT advancing at World Cup: 'We salute you'

Zac Al-Khateeb

•
LeBron James, J.J. Watt, Patrick Mahomes, other U.S. sports stars celebrate USMNT advancing at World Cup: 'We salute you' image

U.S. soccer needed nothing short of victory over Iran Tuesday's group-stage match vs. Iran to advance to the next stage of the World Cup.

The USMNT got just what it needed with 38th-minute goal from midfielder Christian Pulisic, who knocked in a go-ahead goal vs Iran that, at the moment, kept alive United States' hopes of advancing to the knockout stage.

Pulisic's goal came from a a fantastic assist from Sergiño Dest, and gave U.S. soccer a 1-0 lead over Iran (which needed only a draw to become the second team to advance from Group B, alongside group winner England).

MORE: What's next for USMNT after beating Iran at World Cup

Unfortunately for Pulisic, he suffered an abdominal issue on the goal; though he finished the half, he was substituted after play resumed, with Brendan Aaronson taking over:

The USMNT got everything it could handle from the Iranians and more, however, with a Tim Weah goal getting disqualified after VAR determined he was offside on a goal that would have given USA a 2-0 lead. Iran fought valiantly in the second half, threatening until the last of 10 minutes of extra time before falling.

Pulisic's sacrificial goal and the ensuing victory was much appreciated by American supporters, especially those in the sports world. Here are some of the best reactions to the victory:

MORE: Watch every World Cup match live with fuboTV (U.S.-only free trial)

U.S. athletes reactions to USMNT vs Iran match at World Cup

Zac Al-Khateeb

Zac Al-Khateeb Photo

Zac Al-Khateeb has been part of The Sporting News team since 2015 after earning his Bachelor's (2013) and Master's (2014) degrees in journalism at the University of Alabama. Prior to joining TSN, he covered high school sports and general news in Alabama. A college sports specialist, Zac has been a voter for the Biletnikoff Award and Heisman Trophy since 2020.