This group will be interesting and entertaining. This is the third time the United States and England encounter each other in the same group. USA leads the encounter 1-0-1 all-time, but both them and England have yet to top each other in group points. USA also encounters Iran in the group stage for the second time, but Iran leads the encounter 1-0. Wales comes out of their 64-year grave to make their illustrious return to the World Cup, led by rising star Gareth Bale. It’s easy to believe that England will easily win the group, but don’t be so sure just yet while the US are lurking in the same group.

ENGLAND (5)

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES (16TH APPEARANCE)/LAST APPEARANCE (2018)

FARTHEST IN LAST APP. (FOURTH PLACE IN 2018)

England finished fourth place in Russia and recently made the finals in the UEFA Cup. It’s been a bit since we’ve heard this type of success from England, and they could go the distance once again. However, it was said their last few games prior to this World Cup was bland at best. Whatever it could be, they should be favored to advance the group. But can they net a win against USA in the World Cup for the first time ever???

IR IRAN (20)

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES (6TH APPEARANCE)/LAST APPEARANCE (2018)

FARTHEST IN LAST APP. (DIDN’T ADVANCE IN 2018)

Iran has yet to advance past the group stage in their five appearances. Their closest was in 2018 with four points. Unfortunately, they came up short when Portugal and Spain tied at five to advance. This group is probably Iran’s best opportunity with most of their returning squad. What’s even better is that they face the US, and they previously defeated the Yanks back in 1998. USA and Wales are Iran’s best opportunity to win one and tie one to try advancing the group stage.

USA (16)

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES (11TH APPEARANCE)/LAST APPEARANCE (2014)

FARTHEST IN LAST APP. (ROUND OF 16 IN 2014)

USA returns to the World Cup after not making the trip to Russia. Honestly, it was the best thing for them because they needed to rebuild the squad (while retaining only DeAndre Yedlin from the 2014 WC squad) with a younger and newer group that will be the future for the Yanks. Led by Christian Pulisic, this will be the youngest squad to represent the World Cup and there’s a likely chance they could surprise and potentially advance the group.

WALES (19)

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES (2ND APPEARANCE)/LAST APPEARANCE (1958)

FARTHEST IN LAST APP. (QUARTERFINALS IN 1958)

After a 64-year World Cup drought, Wales finally returns, and Gareth Bale will be the star to represent the Dragons in Group B. This is an interesting squad who has a shot at advancing. However, it’s unknown how well they will do and what their expectations are when none of these guys have any World Cup experience. Their first game against the US will determine if Wales has what it takes to advance.

MATCHUPS:

GROUP MATCH 3: ENGLAND VS. IRAN (NOVEMBER 21ST)

GROUP MATCH 4: USA VS. WALES (NOVEMBER 21ST)

GROUP MATCH 17: WALES VS. IRAN (NOVEMBER 25TH)

GROUP MATCH 20: ENGLAND VS. USA (NOVEMBER 25TH)

GROUP MATCH 33: WALES VS. ENGLAND (NOVEMBER 29TH)

GROUP MATCH 34: IRAN VS. USA (NOVEMBER 29TH)

WHO SURVIVES THE GROUP:

ENGLAND

It’s hard not to consider the Three Lions in the Round of 16. It comes down to their performance against the US. This group should be simple, but consistency from the entire squad and not too much reliance on Harry Kane is key.

USA

Last year, I had the US failing miserably at this year’s World Cup. But as the months gone on and then the announcement of their group placement, I had a change of heart and considered them a hard out in Group B and advancing to the next round. When you have a veteran like Yedlin and a young up-and-coming star like Christian Pulisic with more future talent around him, anything is possible.

RESULTS

ENGLAND 7 POINTS

USA 5 POINTS

WALES 4 POINTS

IRAN 1 POINT