The World Cup is just a few months away, and the qualified countries are getting geared up for the group stage. Each country will play the other three times in a round-robin format, and the top two will move on to the Round of 16. World Cup play begins November 21, and the group stage will conclude on December 2.
The four countries that makeup Group B are England, the United States, Wales, and IR Iran. England is the most experienced of the group, with Qatar being their 16th World Cup. This is also their seventh straight appearance, having placed fourth in 2018.
Head to The Game Day for the latest sports betting odds.
After not qualifying for Russia 2018, the United States make its return to the big stage. This will be IR Iran’s third straight World Cup appearance, but the country has yet to make it past the group stage.
Wales is the least experienced of the four, as this is the country’s second-ever appearance, with the first coming in 1958.
In what should be an exciting and competitive group, let’s take a look at the current odds and best bets to make to see who will make it out of Group B.
World Cup Group B Winner Odds
England (-350)
United States (+550)
Wales (+600)
IR Iran (+1800)
All betting odds are current as of July 27, 2022, from BetMGM Sportsbook.
Along with Brazil in Group G, England is the most favored team to make it out of the group stage at -350. It makes sense given how strong the squad is, led by captain Harry Kane and the young stars around him in Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho, Jack Grealish, Jude Bellingham, and Mason Mount.
The United States poses the biggest threat to England at +550, though the Americans have little World Cup experience outside of a handful of players. DeAndre Yedlin has the most caps on the roster with 74, but at 23 years old, Christian Pulisic is the most important player with a team-leading 21 goals.
Even though this is Wales’ second appearance, they have plenty of international experience. Right behind the United States at +600, the Welsh are led by Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey. IR Iran is far behind the rest of the group at +1800 to win.
World Cup Group B Preview
England (-350)
England is the favorite to win Group B, and they’re also third-favorite to win the World Cup at +700, with only Brazil and France ahead of them. It wouldn’t be a shock if they won all three of their group stage matches.
England has a very dangerous squad, with their entire roster currently playing for a club in either the Premier League, Bundesliga, or Serie A. Along with playing in the world's top leagues, a good chunk of the roster was a part of the England squad that finished fourth at the 2018 World Cup.
Manager Gareth Southgate helped lead England in 2018 in his first World Cup and will look to have a better outcome in 2022.
United States (+550)
This United States squad is entirely different from the 2014 World Cup squad and even the 2018 team that felt heartbreak from not qualifying. The United States is a young and exciting squad hungry to prove themselves as legitimate contenders in the world.
Head coach Gregg Berhalter recently led the U.S. to a CONCACAF Gold Cup victory, and the country only has four losses in all competitions over the past two years.
The main scoring option for the United States is Pulisic, and they have surrounded him with a young core of players that should be a staple for years to come.
Wales (+600)
The United Kingdom country of Wales had to battle its way into the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, having contested a playoff to qualify. Bale netted two goals in Wales’ semi-final victory over Austria, and the country beat Ukraine 1-0 in the final qualifier to book their place in Qatar.
Outside of their World Cup playoff victories in 2022, Wales has struggled in other competitions as they have two draws and three losses. They have two more matches in the UEFA Nations League A before the World Cup begins as final tune-ups.
Manager Rob Page will need to rely on his two captains, Bale and Ramsey, if they expect to advance, as they have a combined 181 appearances and 60 goals.
IR Iran (+1800)
IR Iran had a brilliant qualification, going 8-1-1 and only conceding four goals. However, due to the weakness of the AFC and the fact that the rest of the group is so strong, IR Iran is a heavy underdog to win Group B.
Sardar Azmoun is the top scorer on the squad with 40 goals in 63 appearances and is the best player for IR Iran, as he currently plays for Bayer Leverkusen of the Bundesliga. The other top scoring options for the country are Mehdi Taremi and Alireza Jahanbakhsh, with both men scoring four goals during qualification.
World Cup Group B Winner Best Bet
England (-350)
WAGER: 2 Units
It’s no surprise that England is one of the heavy favorites to make it out of their group, given how good they are and their opponents in Group B.
The English have some of the most talented stars in the world, and the squad is extremely deep. The United States is inexperienced on the big stage, Wales qualified for just their second-ever World Cup, and IR Iran is essentially a non-factor.
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World Cup Group B Props
United States to Qualify for Round of 16 (+100)
WAGER: 2 Units
Even though the odds have the United States and Wales very close, the U.S. has a much better team and should have no problems advancing to the Round of 16.
They should be able to claim a win against Wales in their first match. The United States will give England a run for their money in their second game but will ultimately lose. So facing IR Iran last is perfect timing with advancing to the Round of 16 most likely on the line.
Bet on the United States to qualify at BetMGM.