After missing out on the 2018 World Cup, the United States will make their return to the big tournament in 2022 when they take on Wales in Group B play. This match will take place on Monday, Nov. 21, at Al Rayyan Stadium at 2 p.m. ET.
USA were one of four teams to qualify from the CONCACAF after getting the pass to the final round for being ranked in the top five of the group in FIFA’s world rankings.
This is the second time in their history that Wales has qualified for the World Cup after they won the UEFA Path A playoff.
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Group B also includes England and IR Iran, with England expected to make it out of the group as the winner. It’s more than likely the winner of this match will be the second team to qualify for the Round of 16.
Can the Stars and Stripes make a triumphant return to World Cup play? Or will the Dragons make an improbable run in Group B in their second World Cup appearance?
Let’s take a look at the current odds and best bets to make for this matchup.
USA vs Wales Odds
- 3-way handicap: USA (+150) | Draw (+220) | Wales (+195)
- Draw No Bet: USA (-160) | Wales (+100)
- Over/Under Goals: Over 2.5 (+130) | Under 2.5 (-190)
USA vs Wales odds are current as of Monday, Oct. 24, from BetMGM Sportsbook unless otherwise noted.
The United States are the slight favorites in this group stage match, but not by much. Both sides have nearly equal odds to make it to the Round of 16, so it’s reflected on both teams' win value to be at plus odds.
USA vs Wales Prediction
USA 2-1 Wales
Manager Gregg Berhalter is tasked with leading this young and exciting United States team back to relevancy on the international stage. Since taking over in 2018, Berhalter has cemented himself as one of the top managers in USMNT history.
Berhalter leads all managers in per-match stats with 2.15 average goals for and 0.64 average goals against (minimum of 18 matches).
Overall, the Stars and Stripes are a much better squad, with captain Christian Pulisic leading the charge. With stars like Brenden Aaronson, Giovanni Reyna, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, and DeAndre Yedlin, Wales will have their hands full.
The United States are also the youngest unit in the league, with only a handful of players above the age of 30.
Outside of captain and star Gareth Bale up front, the Dragons don’t have a lot of scoring options. Outside of vice-captain Aaron Ramsey, Bale has more international goals (40) than the entire roster combined (33).
Wales will need young stars Brennan Johnson and Daniel James to step up.
For manager Rob Page, the defense will be key to being competitive in matches. Page runs a uniform defense, held down by defender Chris Gunter, who has the most caps in Wales’ history with 109.
Another longtime Wales player, Wayne Hennessey, will be the starting goalkeeper.
This will be a close match, but the United States will separate themselves in the second half to get the victory.
USA vs Wales Betting Tips
- USA and Wales drew 0-0 in 2020 in an International Friendly.
- USA defeated Wales 2-0 in their first-ever meeting in 2003.
- The United States defeated Mexico 1-0 in the 2021 Gold Cup Final.
- Wales defeated Ukraine 1-0 in a playoff to qualify for the World Cup.
- USA qualified for six straight World Cups before missing out in 2018.
- Wales last World Cup appearance came in 1958, where they placed 6th.
USA vs Wales Best Bets
➕ United States Moneyline (+150) at BetMGM Sportsbook
WAGER: 2 Units
The United States are an all-around much better squad, and these two moneylines shouldn’t be as close as they are. This is the best value you’ll get to take the USMNT straight up, as they should separate themselves once we get closer to the match.
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➕ Both Teams to Score: Yes (+105) at BetMGM Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
While the United States will come out on top in this match, Wales will keep it close and competitive. Look for Bale to lead the charge and sneak one past the Stars and Stripes’ defense.
- Place this scoring prop at BetMGM.