The clash between USA and Wales has been highly-anticipated since Wales confirmed their involvement in the tournament for a number of reasons, but the first of those has to be that both teams are considered as contenders to make the next round of the competition, and this game could be key to their purposes.
It will be a special game for the Stars and Stripes, as they will return to a FIFA World Cup following their absence in 2018 after crashing out of the Qualifiers. This time, the popular names such as Michael Bradley and Landon Donovan will no longer be there, leaving a new generation to defend their pride. Since the team sealed their World Cup Qualification, Gregg Berhalter's men have only lost one of their matches, leaving some interesting sensations but a clear indication of how the team struggles to score goals, as they only bagged nine goals in six games, with five of those coming in a single match.
On the other hand, Wales will return to a World Cup after their only performance in 1958. A lot has changed since Wales last played a World Cup match, but their desire to make the next round will be there without any questions. The team made it to this competition having to go through a lot, including a playoff stage that ended with a one-nil victory over Ukraine in the key game. As you may already know, Gareth Bale's contribution to their cause was something else, as he scored all of the Dragons' goals during the playoffs.
Whoever wins this match will have taken a huge step towards making the next round in a group that also includes England and Iran. Let us give you a glimpse of what are the main talking points ahead of Monday's clash.
USA vs Wales - Team news
The Stars and Stripes make it to the competition with one of the youngest squads among those that will be playing in Qatar. Four years after being eliminated from the competition, Gregg Berhalter will try to lead a squad with lots of talent but lacking international experience, as there are no "survivors" from the team's last World Cup run in 2014. The team will center its offensive efforts on Christian Pulisic, who is set to become the leader on the pitch even if Tyler Adams will wear the captain's armband. Other players to keep an eye on will certainly be Weston McKennie and Gio Reyna, two players who have proven their skills in some of the top leagues in Europe.
On the other side of the pitch, Wales have finally ended their wait to play in a FIFA World Cup, and they will do so led by their best player in history. Gareth Bale will be one of the players to keep an eye on while the World Cup unfolds, but he will not be the only major threat to keep an eye on, since footballers such as Aaron Ramsey, Jonny Williams, and Daniel James will put their talents at the disposal of their national team to wreak havoc in this tough group.
Here is the list of the players that could miss this match.
USA - Doubtful: Luca de la Torre.
Wales - Injured: Joe Allen.
USA vs Wales - Head-to-head
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This will be the first competitive game between these teams in history.
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The first match between these teams took place in 2003, with the USMNT taking home a two-nil win.
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The most recent match between Wales and the USMNT ended in a goalless draw back in 2020.
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Wales' only opening game in a FIFA World Cup ended in a 1-1 draw against Hungary back in 1958.
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The USMNT's record in World Cup opening games shows 3 wins, two draws, and five losses.
Broadcast info: USA vs Wales
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
