World Cup Group B: England and Wales meet again
World Cup Group B odds, teams and fixtures
In our guide to World Cup Group B, we assess the prospects of England, Wales, the USA and Iran as they bid to reach the last 16.
We also highlight the betting odds for each team and list the fixtures, including kick-off times and television coverage for all six matches.
England
A first major trophy since 1966 continues to elude England but they could not have gone much closer under Gareth Southgate.
They reached the World Cup semi-finals four years ago – even taking the lead – before losing to Croatia in extra time, while they were only denied the European crown last summer when losing on penalties to Italy in the final.
A poor showing in the Nations League this summer has dampened expectations but Harry Kane is one of the leading contenders for the Golden Boot again and can help fire England to the latter stages again.
Wales
Wales are back on the biggest stage for the first time since 1958 and Rob Page’s men will be determined to make an impact rather than just make up the numbers.
That was certainly the case at Euro 2016 when they finished above England in their group before reaching the semi-finals so they will not be fazed by the prospect of facing their neighbours again.
Gareth Bale remains the main man, even if his best days are behind him, and has been playing in the MLS in a bid to get much-needed game time ahead of the World Cup.
Beating the Americans in the opening match could be crucial to their hopes of a top-two finish.
United States
The USA made hard work of qualifying but just about did enough to return to the finals, having missed out four years ago.
Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic is the main attacking threat in a squad coached by Gregg Berhalter but which looks short on serious firepower.
They failed to score in back-to-back friendlies against Japan and Saudi Arabia in September but they held England to a 1-1 draw at the 2010 World Cup and the same sort of result would be a big boost to their hopes of getting through.
Iran
Iran are seen as the weakest team in Group B but are just one place below Wales and four behind the USA in the FIFA world rankings.
They are appearing at their third successive World Cup and will hope to catch England cold in their opening game, which is the first ever meeting between the two nations.
Calls for them to be kicked out of the World Cup have hardly been the ideal preparation but they may feel they have a point to prove when the tournament gets under way.
🇮🇷🙌 IR Iran make it three #WorldCup tournaments in a row!@theafcdotcom | #WCQ pic.twitter.com/adX70YxVgO
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) January 27, 2022
World Cup Group B fixtures
Nov 21: England v Iran, 1pm, Khalifa International Stadium, BBC
Nov 21: USA v Wales, 7pm, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, ITV
Nov 25: Wales v Iran, 10am, Khalifa International Stadium, BBC
Nov 25: England v USA, 7pm, Al Bayt Stadium, ITV
Nov 29: Iran v USA, 7pm, Al Thumama Stadium, BBC
Nov 29: Wales v England, 7pm, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, BBC
World Cup Group B winner odds
4/11 England
5/1 Wales
5/1 USA
14/1 Iran
Odds to qualify
1/10 England
1/1 Wales
1/1 USA
5/2 Iran
View the latest World Cup odds
All odds and markets correct at the date of publication
