USA v Wales preview

Wales World Cup guide – the fixtures, results, team news and odds

Wales are playing at their first World Cup in 64 years, but will want to do more than simply make up the numbers. They reached the semi-finals of the European Championships in 2016 and will be looking to make a strong impression on what looks like being a group that they could very feasibly qualify from – especially if they can give the other home nation, England, a run for their money when they meet.

When is Wales’ first game at the 2022 World Cup?

Wales first game at the 2022 World Cup is on Monday, November 21st, when they face the USA at 19:00 UK time. The game takes place at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan.

The USA are ranked 16th in FIFA’s world rankings, just a few spots up from Wales who are 19th. Wales have never beaten the USA, having met on two previous occasions in friendlies. The most recent meeting was a 0-0 draw in November 2020, and Robert Page’s side will hope to make a winning start to their World Cup campaign in this one.

Read more about Group B in our detailed preview.

What are the odds that Wales win their next game at the 2022 World Cup?

Wales are 19/10 to beat USA in their opening game at the 2022 World Cup, and 2/1 to draw. This could be a closely-fought group and the expectation is that these two teams will battle it out for second spot behind England – but at the World Cup, anything can happen.

With Gareth Bale in the side, Wales will always feel they have a chance. They are 4/1 to score in both halves against the USA, and 17/5 to score exactly two in the game. Wales will hope to shut down the ‘Stars and Stripes’ attack, and are 19/10 to keep a clean sheet.

What is the latest Wales vs USA team news and injury news?

Robert Page had to leave wing-back Rhys Norrington-Davies out of his final squad, but Joe Allen was fit enough to be included. Gareth Bale is fit to play after helping LAFC to the MLS Cup, and Page also has Aaron Ramsey, Harry Wilson and goalkeeper Adam Davies following injury layoffs.

Who are Wales’ key players?

Gareth Bale is the Wales player that the opposition will be most concerned about before every game kicks off: a rare talent who can win a game with one swing of his left foot. The Welsh attack is supplemented by a range of Premier League players, including the target man Kieffer Moore and the speedy pair of Brennan Johnson and Dan James.

What are the odds on Wales to win the 2022 World Cup?

Wales are 100/1 to win the World Cup for the first time in their history by pulling off a remarkable victory in Qatar. They may be underdogs – but they were also unfancied at Euro 2016, when they ended up going all the way to the semi-finals before losing to the eventual winners, Portugal.

Who is the Wales manager?

Wales’ head coach is Robert Page, a former Welsh international defender with over 500 appearances under his belt for club and country. Page coached the Wales Under-21s and acted as assistant to Ryan Giggs for the senior job, before becoming the full-time boss in 2020. He led his country to the last 16 at Euro 2020, and then masterminded their first qualification for a World Cup since 1958.