2022 FIFA World Cup Group B is the most influential group, with all four teams in the top 20 in the latest FIFA World Rankings.
There will be a lot of interest in the quarterfinal and semifinal matches since four of the eight clubs have a legitimate shot at advancing to the elimination round.
However, fans of the United States Men’s National Team have reason to be on the edge of their seats since their team was drawn into the same group with England, Iran, and Wales.
After missing World Cup 2018, the U.S. national team will be eager to prove that it is back on top.
Group Stage: Group B Complete Match Schedule
However, the competition in this group will be fierce for all teams. Even if two formidable Group B teams are eliminated after the group stage, two others may have gained enough experience to advance.
| Date | Match | Time (E.T.) | Stadium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, Nov. 21 | England vs Iran | 08:00 A.M. | Khalifa Int’l Stadium |
| Mon, Nov. 21 | USA vs Wales | 02:00 A.M. | Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium |
| Fri, Nov. 25 | Wales vs Iran | 05:00 A.M. | Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium |
| Fri, Nov. 25 | England vs USA | 02:00 A.M. | Al Bayt Stadium |
| Tues, Nov. 29 | Wales vs England | 02:00 A.M. | Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium |
| Tues, Nov. 29 | Iran vs USA | 02:00 A.M. | Al Thumama Stadium |
Four teams will participate in a round-robin. In the group stage, a win earns three points, a draw earns one, and a loss earns none. The top two teams advance.
Only the two best clubs in each group will go on to the single-game playoffs. To break a tie when teams have the same number of points, goal differential is used first, and then goals are scored. Another set of tiebreakers is used if the teams are deadlocked in those areas.
England Team Brief Overview
England begins the tournament with high expectations for a return of football’s most prestigious prize, but several key players are questionable. Recent performances haven’t been up to par for the Three Lions, but their roster has some of the most recognizable names in sports.
Their journey to the Euro 2020 final has only raised those anticipations. Since England was placed in such a difficult group, they will likely see anything less than a run to the semifinals as a failure.
- FIFA Ranking: 5
- Odds of Winning Group: Favorite
- One to Watch: A young and promising talent, Bukayo Saka, is poised worldwide stage. The fortunes of England may rest on his shoulders.
Iran Team Brief Overview
Many people haven’t seen Iran play much, but they could be the best squad in Group B right now. They defeated Uruguay and drew with Senegal, competing in this year’s World Cup, in their September window on the way to qualifying for Qatar 2022.
The field players from top European clubs give them confidence that they can beat any competition. They have the potential to emerge as a surprising tournament contender.
- FIFA Ranking: 20
- Odds of Winning: Dark Horse
- One to Watch: Many people believe Alireza Jahanbakhsh will be a key player for Team Melli in this event.
USA Team Brief Overview
After a long absence, the United States men’s national team has returned to the international spotlight with the youngest squad in the competition.
This squad and coach Gregg Berhalter are under pressure to get out of the group stage and co-host the tournament in 2026.
Fans are worried about their performance as of late, but they believe the club can find a way to gel for the Group Stage by winning a few crucial games.
- FIFA Ranking: 16
- Odds of Winning: In The Running
- One to Watch: Despite his young age, Yunus Musah has a chance to emerge as one of his team’s most significant players by the tournament’s conclusion.
Wales Team Brief Overview
Wales qualified via the European playoffs to reach this year’s World Cup. Hence they were one of the teams who had to play an additional set of games to qualify. As a reward, they were assigned to the most challenging class regarding average difficulty.
While many are familiar with Gareth Bale, winner of the Champions League and the MLS Cup, the Welsh national team does not routinely look to feed the ball to him. They have numerous potentially lethal players and are banking on team cohesion to carry them to victory.
- FIFA Ranking: 19
- Odds of Winning: Dark Horse
- One to Watch: It will be expected that Daniel James to contribute to Gareth Bale’s offensive output both in terms of scoring and in terms of generating chances.