2022 FIFA World Cup – Group B details, prediction and broadcast details

Topics: TV Schedules, TV Listings, Streaming Info, England, USMNT, Wales, Iran, 2022 FIFA World Cup

England are on a campaign to end their 56-year wait for a second FIFA World Cup but expect Wales, the USA, or Iran to offer some competition.

Who are the teams in Group B of the 2022 FIFA World Cup?

England

Four interesting teams have been drawn into Group B, with the standout nation being England. Ranked fifth in the world by FIFA, the Three Lions head to Qatar with the sole goal of lifting this prestigious trophy for the first time since 1966. It is only the natural progression for Southgate's side after leading the nation to a semifinal appearance in Russia 2018 before guiding Kane and Co. to the Euro 2020 final, which they lost to Italy. Unfortunately, criticism surrounding their style of play continues while their disastrous UEFA Nations League campaign this year, which resulted in relegation from League A, has cast a huge doubt over their FIFA World Cup hopes.

USMNT

However, the Three Lions should face competition from the USMNT. The Stars and Stripes bounced back from their failure to qualify for the last FIFA World Cup but the North American powerhouse still finished third in CONCACAF behind Canada and Mexico. Gregg Berhalter will have many talented players at his disposal, some of which are playing in the biggest leagues across Europe such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Sergiño Dest, and Giovanni Reyna. Will this be enough to get them into the round of 16?

Wales

Wales are the other European nation in this group and they look to pull off something spectacular in what should be the first and final FIFA World Cup for the likes of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey. The Dragons last qualified for this tournament in 1958 and secured their Qatar 2022 ticket the hard way. After finishing second behind Belgium in the regular qualifiers, Rob Page's side entered the playoffs and had to overcome two teams before nailing their spot. First came a 2-1 victory over Austria in the playoff semifinals, with none other than Bale scoring both goals. In the final, they faced war-torn Ukraine, beating them 1-0 courtesy of another goal from their former Tottenham and Real Madrid star. The stage is now set for them to upset the odds in this tournament.

Iran

And finally, we have Iran, one of six Asian participants this time around. The Middle Eastern giants, who are ranked 20th in the world by FIFA, made it here after finishing ahead of South Korea in the AFC qualifying round. Led by Porto ace Mehdi Taremi and Bayer Leverkusen attacker Sardar Azmoun, Team Melli will look to make it to the knockout stage for the first time in history.

2022 FIFA World Cup: Key games in Group B

England vs USMNT on November 25

The Three Lions kick off their campaign against Iran on November 21 but we went with their showdown with the USA four days later for this list. England are the favorites in this group but have shown inconsistency and a lack of inspiration in the build-up to this tournament. Southgate will hope to have his best players fit and energized for this event in order to avoid a repeat of their disastrous UEFA Nations League campaign this year. As for the Stars and Stripes, the onus is on them to show they can handle the big boys. Victory over the European giants might just give Pulisic and Co. the confidence they need to make the round of 16.

Wales vs England on November 29

In a repeat of their Euro 2016 showdown, England will take on Wales on November 29. Given the presence of Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey, Ben Davies, and Neco Williams, this could easily be the Three Lions' toughest test of the group stage. Additionally, the same is true for the Dragons as they will face some of the best players in the Premier League. Six years ago, it was England who emerged triumphant when the pair faced off in the European Championship group stage. Only time will tell if a similar fate awaits.

Iran vs USMNT on November 29

This is an interesting fixture with several plotlines, some even exceeding football. However, given that both nations will likely be fighting it out for the second and last round of 16 ticket, neither can afford to drop points in this fixture. This will be the last tie for both teams. However, with Wales facing England in the other simultaneous kick-off, it could set up for an exciting conclusion to this group if either the Stars and Stripes or Team Melli win to secure progression on the final day.

Which teams in Group B are the favorites to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup round of 16?

England, despite their terrible form in the lead-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, are still the favorites to win their group. This leaves one extra round of 16 ticket and given the presence of a certain Gareth Bale, Wales would be the safest bet.

However, the U.S. men's national team, as mentioned earlier, boast an array of talented youngsters that should bring energy and quality to the pitch while Iran can look to Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun for inspiration. Underestimate these two nations at your own peril!

Our prediction: how Group B will finish

England
Wales
USMNT
Iran

2022 FIFA World Cup: Key players to keep an eye on in Group B

Gareth Bale

This will be the former Real Madrid superstar's first and final FIFA World Cup tournament, giving him the extra motivation to go out with a bang. Gareth Bale might not be at his best anymore, having left Los Blancos for MLS giants LAFC. However, one thing is certain: when Wales are in need, their captain delivers!

Gareth Bale, Wales, FIFA World Cup, Preview, Roster, Group B

Harry Kane

Harry Kane is one of the best strikers in the world and after his brilliant start to the Premier League season, the Tottenham ace will look to continue this run at Qatar 2022. The Three Lions skipper wasn't excellent during the recent UEFA Nations League campaign and Euro 2020 tournament. However, he remains Gareth Southgate's best and deadliest player.

Harry Kane, England, FIFA World Cup, Preview, Roster, Group B

Mehdi Taremi

The Porto ace is one of the top scorers in the Primeira Liga so far and after guiding the Portuguese giants to the UEFA Champions League round of 16, the 30-year-old attacker will look to do the same for Iran come the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Mehdi Taremi, Iran, FIFA World Cup, Preview, Roster, Group B

Christian Pulisic

Christian Pulisic, nicknamed "Captain America", does not enter Qatar 2022 under ideal circumstances. While he is the biggest hope for the U.S. men's national team, the former Dortmund ace continues to struggle for regular playing time at Chelsea. Nonetheless, the 24-year-old remains a truly talented player and a brilliant campaign in this tournament could spark life back into his Stamford Bridge career.

Christian Pulisic, USMNT, FIFA World Cup, Preview, Roster, Group B