Wales will take on the USA in their first game of the Qatar World Cup. As England is widely expected to top the group – both Wales and USA look to be fighting over that golden second position.
It’s Wales’ first world cup appearance in 64 years. They’ll take on a young but inexperienced USA in a late-night Monday game.
The game will complete Group B’s first round of fixtures.
USA’s coach Gregg Berhalter has raised some eyebrows with his squad selection – leaving out some key players who have been regulars over the past few years.
USA have reached the knockout round in four of their last seven tournament appearances but have failed to beat European opposition in their previous nine attempts.
Wales’ form coming into the finals does not offer much optimism either, as they have not won since sealing their place at the World Cup with their 1-0 win over Ukraine in the playoffs.
Gareth Bale – the Wales captain – will be the focus of the game, following his incredible scoring ability.
Goalie Zack Steffen was expected to play for the US but a poor season with Manchester City saw him replaced by Stefan Ortega, which led him to lose his place in the USA squad.
Matt Turner and Ethan Horvath are set to battle it out to be apart of USA starting eleven, with Premier League player Turner having the better chance.
Weston McKennie has not featured for Juventus since October, but he should be fit in time to feature from the start in midfield here.
Team USA’s best strength comes in the attacking third, with many options available – Timothy Weah, Gio Reyna and Jesus Ferreira are all staking a claim to start in attack alongside Christian Pulisic.
Wales’s Gareth Bale has said he is prepared to play all three group games if necessary, despite him being reduced to cameo appearances since joining the MLS this year.
Joe Allen has been out injured since late September, and will not be risked in this encounter, but could return for their next game against Iran.
Wales’ defender Rhys Norrington-Davies will not play any part in the tournament following an injury.
Turner; Dest, Zimmerman, Long, A Robinson; Adams, McKennie, Aaronson; Reyna, Ferreira, Pulisic
Hennessey; C Roberts, Mepham, Rodon, B Davies, N Williams; Ampadu, Ramsey; Bale, Moore, James
WTX Sports prediction: Wales 2-1 USA
Where is the FIFA World Cup 2022 schedule?
Following a dazzling Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, the final tournament match schedule has been published on FIFA+.
Given the compact nature of Qatar, event organisers were able to assign, for the first time ever, group stage games to a stadium and kick-off time for each matchday after the final draw, optimising the match schedule for the benefit and comfort of spectators, teams, media and the global audience.
A total of 64 games will be played to decide the winners of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. See when and where the action will take place.
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