WALES’ first appearance at a World Cup for 64 years begins against an exciting USA team.
The two sides lock horns on Monday at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in what could be a crucial game in Group B.
With England favourites to progress as winners, these two sides could be left battling for second place in the group.
But there’s little to split them in the world rankings.
The Dragons are ranked 19th in the world, with USA slightly ahead in 16th.
Here, SunSport previews the clash between the Dragons and the 2026 tournament co-hosts.
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How did they get there?
USA: Qualification for the tournament was narrowly secured ahead of Costa Rica, who had to go through a play-off against New Zealand.
USA clinched the third and final automatic qualifying spot from the CONCACAF qualifying group on goal difference, behind Canada and Mexico.
Wales: The Dragons did have to secure their spot in Qatar via a play-off, holding their nerve to beat Ukraine in an emotional game back in June.
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What’s the form?
USA: Winless in their last three, USA were beaten 2-0 by Japan in September before drawing 0-0 with Saudi Arabia.
Their last victory was a 5-0 CONCACAF Nations League triumph over Caribbean minnows Grenada in June.
Wales: The Dragons have not tasted victory since that play-off win over Ukraine in June.
Since then Wales have been beaten twice by Holland, once by Belgium and Poland, with one draw against Belgium.
Who are the managers?
USA: Gregg Berhalter is the man tasked with leading USA in Qatar.
The 49-year-old took over as boss in 2018 after spells with Swedish side Hammarby and MLS outfit Columbus Crew.
Berhalter won 44 USA caps as a player, and spent a year at Crystal Palace in the early 2000s.
Wales: Robert Page stepped up from his role assistant to the main job after Ryan Giggs’ arrest in November 2020.
The 48-year-old guided the Dragons to a first World Cup since 1958 and was rewarded with a new four-year deal in September.
Won 41 caps for Wales as a player, and had spells in charge of Port Vale and Northampton before joining the national team set up.
Who are the star players?
USA: CHRISTIAN PULISIC has failed to hit top stride since joining Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund in 2019.
But for the national side the 24-year-old has an impressive 21 goals in 52 appearances.
He is the biggest star of the team back in his native USA, and will be expected to deliver in Qatar.
Wales: GARETH BALE will be carrying the weight of a nation on his shoulders as he captains the Dragons in Qatar.
The 33-year-old flirted with retirement before joining MLS side LAFC in June so he could play at the World Cup.
A five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, Bale has 40 goals in 108 appearances for the national side.
What’s the head to head?
USA wins: 1
Wales wins: 0
Draws: 1
What TV channel will show the game?
USA vs Wales will be shown live on ITV1 in the UK, and streamed on ITV Hub
The match is also going to be shown on S4C in Wales.
What are the odds?
USA: 13/8
WALES: 9/4
DRAW: 2/1
All odds provided by Betfair
SunSport prediction
This one feels like being too close to call and is likely to be a tight affair, especially since it’s each side’s first game of the tournament.
Both possess sufficient attacking threat to find the back of the net, but it’s hard to separate them.
1-1
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
