United States vs Wales, FIFA World Cup 2022, Today Match Prediction

United States vs Wales Match Prediction & Analysis

You feel that this game could be a ‘winner takes all scenario’ meaning that they would be very likely to qualify for the next round of the tournament.

England are likely to top the group, and are favourites to win all three of their games. Both the USA and Wales would consider themselves favourites to beat Iran in the other contest.

Therefore, the result of this game could very well decide who claims second spot.

Despite having not qualified for a World Cup since 1958, this is now the third international tournament that Wales have been part of out of the last four on offer.

They reached the Semi Finals of Euro 2016, following that up by once again reaching the knockout phase of Euro 2020. The Welsh have a solid squad and will be hoping to cause an upset or two here.

The USA have some quality players, but often flatter to deceive at these tournaments. They didn’t qualify for the World Cup in 2018, so they will be keen to make up for lost time here.

TEAMS PREVIEW

United States Preview

FIFA Ranking: 16

Predicted Finish: Group Stage

Reasons to be cheerful:

     One of their most talented squads in recent times

     Have a good chance to progress through to the Round of 16

Reasons to be fearful:

     Lacking a star striker

     Only finished 3rd in qualifying behind Mexico and Canada

The USA has had some talented squads down the years, but for whatever reason they always underdeliver when it matters most.

Their main concern coming into this tournament is the lack of an absolute superstar who can drag this team forward. England have Harry Kane, Wales have Gareth Bale. Who is that person for the USA?

Sure, there is Christian Pulisic, who has bags of ability, but his form for Chelsea has not set the world alight since his move there in 2019.

Their squad also looks inexperienced compared to others in their group. With an average age of 24, they have one of the youngest squads at the tournament.

There is big-name representation there, with the likes of Fulham’s Tim Ream, AC Milan’s Sergino Dest and Leeds’ Brenden Aaronson involved.

Star Man – Christian Pulisic

He is the closest thing the USA has to a talisman, but is he ready to perform on the global stage? He certainly has the pace and trickery to trouble this Welsh defence.

Wales Preview

FIFA Ranking: 19

Predicted Finish: Round of 16

Reasons to be cheerful

     Recent tournament experience will provide confidence

     Big-name players Bale and Ramsey have experience at this level

Reasons to be fearful

     Over-reliant on Bale

     Defeat against USA would make it near-impossible to qualify

Wales have punched above their weight in recent years, most notably reaching the Semi Finals of Euro 2016 to everyone’s surprise.

Along the way in that tournament, they beat the likes of Belgium before losing to eventual winners Portugal. Here, they have a squad that is not at its peak from then, but still retains some quality players.

Gareth Bale is, of course, their star attraction, but how much can he be expected to produce at the age of 33 and now playing his football in Los Angeles. 

Aaron Ramsey is another in his 30s, now playing for French club Nice. There are pockets of talent throughout this Wales squad, but if Bale or Ramsey don’t perform well, you would worry for their chances.

Star Man – Gareth Bale

Bale is hardly at the peak of his powers anymore, but still has the ability to turn a game in Wales’ favour. Wales are over-reliant on him and eventually that will work against them.