The USMNT bumped up their FIFA ranking to No. 14 following blow-outs against Morocco(3-0) and Grenada(5-0) in addition to draws against strong teams like Uruguay and El Salvador. Drawn in Group B in the 2022 Qatar World Cup with Iran, Wales, and England, it’ll now be a bigger challenge for each team to qualify for the knockout stages. Despite being the second highest ranked team within the group, the USMNT is currently predicted to finish third in their group, albeit by a small margin in odds. Let’s take a closer look at Group B and the USMNT outlook on progressing to the knockout stages.

The USMNT has a slight edge over Wales in their WC opener as the Stars and Stripes have pulled a win and draw in their only two meetings in soccer history. But Wales should not be underestimated. With a dominating attack led by Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey, and Daniel James, USMNT must keep the Dragons’ offense at bay in order to gain a favorable outcome in the match. 

The question as to whether the USMNT will pass the group stages will be answered based on the outcome of their second match against England. As a soccer powerhouse ranking fifth in FIFA rankings, England dominated most of the last World Cup and recent Euro 2020. In all 11 meetings between the two nations, England swept 8 friendlies, so the odds are against the USMNT by far. But the positive news for the USMNT is that they have managed to clinch a win and scoreless draw in their two World Cup matches against England. In short, this matchup will decide how the rest of the World Cup will unfold for the Stars and Stripes.

Their final group stage match against Iran may also be crucial in case a win is needed. Although the US was winless in their previous two meetings, they currently are favored to win this matchup. Still, the outcome is in contingency with what happens in the first two games, especially against England. With under 100 days left till the prestigious tournament begins, we simply hope the USMNT can put on an electrifying performance at Qatar.