Nobody’s calling this the Group of Death. Maybe they should – it’s the only one in which all four teams are ranked inside FIFA’s Top 20.
Here is everything to know about Wales:
Three Things You Need To Know About Wales
Coach: Rob Page
Highest finish: Quarterfinals (1958)
2018 finish: Did not qualify
FOX Bet odds: +25000
Key players: Gareth Bale, Wayne Hennessey, Daniel James
What we’re excited to watch: It’s been 58 years since the Welsh competed in their lone World Cup appearance, so just seeing them on the biggest stage is a novelty. As important as their opening match against the United States is, the game against England is Wales’ World Cup final.
What success look like: Just being there is already a success, which takes some pressure off them. While England is the clear favorite to win the group, claiming the second spot is achievable, as not much separates Wales from the U.S. or Iran.
Achilles' heel: Goalkeeper. Sound as Hennessey was in the World Cup berth clinching win over Ukraine in June, he will be rusty at the main event. The 35-year-old hasn’t played a single minute in the Premier League this season for Nottingham Forest.
X-Factor: Bale. There’s a reason Bale has won five Champions League titles, scoring the winning goal for Real Madrid in two of them. He’s a legitimate difference maker at the highest level. As the longtime Welsh captain, the 33-year-old – if he’s healthy enough – will be motivated to put his country on his back in front of a global audience.
Group B Preview: USMNT, Iran, England, and Wales
Full roster
Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey, Danny Ward, Adam Davies
Defenders: Ben Davies, Ben Cabango, Tom Lockyer, Joe Rodon, Chris Mepham, Ethan Ampadu, Chris Gunter, Neco Williams, Connor Roberts
Midfielders: Sorba Thomas, Joe Allen, Matthew Smith, Dylan Levitt, Harry Wilson, Joe Morrell, Jonny Williams, Aaron Ramsey, Rubin Colwill
Forwards: Gareth Bale, Kieffer Moore, Mark Harris, Brennan Johnson, Dan James
Read more on the World Cup:
- Group B Team Guides: United States | Iran | England
- USMNT World Cup roster: Get to know all 26 players
- Alexi Lalas reacts to USMNT roster reveal
- 101 most memorable World Cup moments
- 50 reasons to be excited for the World Cup
Doug McIntyre is a soccer writer for FOX Sports. Before joining FOX Sports in 2021, he was a staff writer with ESPN and Yahoo Sports and he has covered United States men’s and women’s national teams at multiple FIFA World Cups. Follow him on Twitter @ByDougMcIntyre.
