Group B features England, my home country. Therefore, I’ve been looking forward to writing this essay. Though doubts about their current condition and health have dampened their optimism, the Three Lions are still the favorites to win their group.
But the United States, Wales, and Iran are a formidable trio that will have something to say about it, and they all want to advance to the next round. Let’s examine these four squads to find the fantasy players that could be worth your time.
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Group B Match Schedule
| Date | Match | Time (GMT+3) | Stadium |
| Mon, Nov. 21 | England vs. Iran | 08:00 A.M. | Khalifa Int’l Stadium |
| Mon, Nov. 21 | USA vs. Wales | 02:00 P.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 P.M. | Al Bayt Stadium |
| Tues, Nov. 29 | Wales vs. England | 02:00 P.M. | Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium |
| Tues, Nov. 29 | Iran vs. USA | 02:00 P.M. | Al Thumama Stadium |
Brief Team Review: England
Having lost heartbreakingly on penalties to Italy in both the 2018 World Cup semifinals and the Euro 2020 final, England will be motivated to go one better in Qatar and win their first significant prize since 1966.
There are promising young players at Gareth Southgate’s disposal, such as Jude Bellingham of Dortmund and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal, plus a few seasoned veterans who have seen extensive international tournament action. Whether or whether they cross the finish line is now in doubt.
Southgate will keep a close watch on England defender Harry Maguire after a tough season with Manchester United. As usual, all eyes will be on Harry Kane, who has a good chance of becoming England’s all-time leading goalscorer.
- Current FIFA World Ranking: No. 5 (November 2022)
- Regional Ranking: 3rd (UEFA)
- World Cup Titles: 1 (1966)
- World Cup Appearances (Last): 15 (Russia 2018)
- How Qualified They Are: UEFA Group I Winners 8W-0L-2D
- Team Coach: Gareth Southgate (England) Since Sept. 2016
- Key Players: Harry Kane (Tottenham / England), Declan Rice (West Ham / England), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City / England
Brief Team Review: Iran
For the third time in a row, Iran will represent Asia as the top-ranked national team at the World Cup finals.
They cruised through the last round of qualifying for the 2022 tournament, winning eight of their nine games. It was enough to secure first place in their group, where South Korea followed them in the runners-up positions.
Iran boasts a talented offensive group led by Mehdi Taremi (forward, Porto), Alireza Jahanbakhsh (creator, Feyenoord), and Sardar Azmoun (threat, Bayer Leverkusen). However, their coaching position has been the center of most attention in the lead-up.
Former Manchester United strategist and Portuguese import Carlos Querioz succeeded Dragan Skocic. He guided them through qualifying before being dismissed and supposedly re-hired in rapid succession in July. He is presently on his second tenure in command, having brought them to the 2014 and 2018 World Cups.
- Current FIFA World Ranking: No. 20 (November 2022)
- Regional Ranking: 1st (AFC)
- World Cup Titles: None
- World Cup Appearances (Last): 6 (Russia 2018)
- How Qualified They Are: Asia Group A Winners (8W-1L-1D)
- Team Coach: Carlos Queiroz (Portugal) Since Sep. 2022
- Key Players: Sardar Azmoun (Bayer Leverkusen / Germany), Alireza Jahanbakhsh (Feyenoord / Netherlands), Mehdi Taremi (Porto / Portugal)
Brief Team Review: USA
Despite narrowly avoiding elimination in regional qualification behind Costa Rica on goal differential, the United States will enjoy the party at World Cup 2022. For the 11th time, the United States men’s national team (USMNT) will compete internationally; before, they reached the semifinals in the first World Cup in 1930.
There is little doubt that Gregg Berhalter’s squad has enough youthful talent to advance past the group stage to thrill fans along the road as they plan a possible deep World Cup run.
Christian Pulisic of Chelsea is set to take the lead role, while Gio Reyna of Borussia Dortmund will serve as an offensive catalyst. With 21 goals scored in qualifying, the U.S. will be a serious danger to other teams moving on.
- Current FIFA World Ranking: No. 16 (November 2022)
- Regional Ranking: 2nd (CONCACAF)
- World Cup Titles: None
- World Cup Appearances (Last): 10 (Brazil 2014)
- How Qualified They Are: CONCACAF Qualifying Third Place (7W-3L-4D)
- Team Coach: Gregg Berhalter (USA) since Dec. 2018
- Key Players: Christian Pulisic (Chelsea / England), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund / Germany), Weston McKennie (Juventus / Italy)
Brief Team Review: Wales
With the last European playoff slot not decided until June due to off-field events, Wales had to wait longer than others to secure their spot in Qatar. After much back-and-forth, Wales prevailed against Ukraine on June 5 to clinch the last UEFA playoff spot and make their first significant tournament participation since 1958.
The 1958 World Cup was Wales’s first and only participation in the tournament.
Robert Page’s squad has been consistently overachieving in recent years, even reaching the Euro 2016 quarterfinals before falling to eventual victor Portugal.
For Wales to succeed at the World Cup, they will need big performances from both Gareth Bale and Daniel James, who is now on loan at Fulham.
- Current FIFA World Ranking: No. 19 (November 2022)
- Regional Ranking: 12th (UEFA)
- World Cup Appearances (Last): 1 (Sweden 1958)
- Team Coach: Robert Page (Wales) Since April 2021
- Key Players: Gareth Bale (Los Angeles / USA), Daniel James (Fulham / England), Kieffer Moore (Bournemouth / England)
