The United States begins its 11th World Cup appearance against Wales in Al Rayyan, Qatar. The U.S. and Wales are in Group B along with England and Iran.
In its last two World Cup appearances, the U.S. advanced to the round of 16. However, a group featuring multiple UEFA might not bode well for the U.S. The USMNT has won just 3 of 21 World Cup matches against UEFA competition.
That has not dulled the confidence of USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter.
“What I do believe is that on our best day we can beat anyone in the world,” he told ESPN’s Sam Borden. “Anyone.”
Whatever the result, youth will lead the way. Defender DeAndre Yedlin is the lone World Cup veteran after the right back made his World Cup debut as a 20-year-old in 2014. After Yedlin’s 75 caps, the most experienced players on the roster are Kellyn Acosta (53), Christian Pulisic (52), Jordan Morris (49) and Tim Ream (46).
And yet, Yedlin’s experience is more than the Welsh can counter with. Wales is making its first appearance in the World Cup in 64 years. However, Wales have Gareth Bale, whose illustrious pro career includes five UEFA Champions League titles and three UEFA Super Cup wins while at Real Madrid.
Here are the best moments as the US and Wales face off in Group B action:
Let’s hear it for the home team
Family members of every player sent their well wishes to the USMNT ahead of its first match of group play.
24 hours from the biggest moment of their lives, the families of all 26 #USMNT players send a heartfelt ‘good luck’ from back home ❤️💙🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/sh8fLRQtsP
— U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team (@USMNT) November 20, 2022