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World Cup 2022: Group B predictions - England, Iran, USA, Wales

Ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Sports Mole predicts how Group B will pan out, with England, USA, Wales and Iran doing battling in what is statistically the toughest group.

There are rivalries galore awaiting in Group B of the 2022 World Cup, which features 1966 winners England as favourites for top spot ahead of Iran, USA and Wales.

World Cup Group B

However, the FIFA rankings suggest that it is the most difficult group at this winter's tournament, with all four teams ranked inside the top 20 by FIFA.

Here, the Sports Mole team set out how they expect Group B to pan out in Qatar.



1. ENGLAND

England players pose before a Nations League game in September 2022© Reuters

It would be a monumental shock if England did not progress to the knockout stages of the World Cup as group winners, and we do not expect any surprises to be sprung in the section as the Three Lions safely make it through.

Such a scenario would see England face the runners-up of Group A - most likely Senegal - in the last 16, and while we have faith in Southgate's side to make it past the Africa Cup of Nations champions, a possible quarter-final meeting with France could extinguish their World Cup dreams for another four years.



2. USA

The USA starting eleven pose for a photo against Uruguay on the pitch prior to an international friendly soccer match at Children's Mercy Park in June 2022© Reuters

Lately the United States' form has been inconsistent, but there is a lot to like about the quality of this squad, particularly in the midfield, with numerous young and dynamic chance-creators including Leeds United duo Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams, who are coached by American Jesse Marsch at club level.

There are still questions about what the ideal centre-back pairing is and who is the most dependable striker, however, that is also the case for Wales and Iran, while England have not been blowing away their competition lately either.

We believe they will find a way to get into the top two in the group stage, but if they cannot top the group then they could face a difficult opponent in the last 16 and we do not foresee them going beyond that stage.



3. WALES

Wales players line up before the match in September 2022© Reuters

On paper, Wales will be delighted with their group. They have troubled England in the past, USA are talented but inconsistent and Iran are somewhat of an unknown quantity now that they possess more quality than in previous editions.

Nevertheless, we feel that Wales may just miss out. A balance needs to be found between maximising points from the USA and Iran games, and ensuring that they remain in contention before the final match versus England. For us, that may lead to one draw too many and finishing in third spot.



4. IRAN

Iran players pose for a team group photo before the match on November 10, 2022© Reuters

There is little doubt that Iran have made huge forward strides as a footballing nation in recent years, and they have every chance of edging USA or Wales into second spot in Group B.

We ultimately expect their lack of attacking fluency under Queiroz's management to hold them back from reaching the knockout stage for the first time in their history, but there is likely to be very little in it within what appears to be an incredibly tight group.


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England's Kieran Trippier, Harry Kane and Kyle Walker with teammates during training on November 16, 2022
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