Gameday in Al Rayyan for the round 1 of the group B between USA & Wales.

USA has McKennie doubtful has he didn't play since two weeks but according to the last news he will be in. Sergino Dest should be there also. Luca de la Torre is doubtful.

On their side Wales will be without Joe Allen.

USA qualified for the WC with the rank 3 in the CONCACAF behind Canada & Mexico. They showed great performance at home, on the road it was more difficult with 1 win, 3 draws & 3 losses but of course travel in this group is very difficult with the heat and humidty in most countries.

On their side Wales finished second of the group with Belgium in front and behind them Czech Republic. They have to play promotion games, they qualified over Austria and then Ukraine.

I really like USA as they have a very good generation now and I expect great things by them for 2026. MLS improved a lot, it was the first time now that european clubs are starting to make their scouting in MLS. Teams in MLS are also more smart now according to the imports they bring and it helps a lot the development of their domestic players.

I expect Wales to be stronger thanks to the experience, they have more experience for big competition, of course we will have to count on Bale who is the key player of this team even if he is getting old.

Physically Wales will be stronger and more solid than USA.

USA's possible 11 : Turner, Dest, Zimmerman, Long, Robinson, Adams, McKennie, Aaronson, Reyna, Ferreira & Pulisic.

Wales's possible 11 Hennessey, Roberts, Ampadu, Rodon, Davies, Williams, Allen, Ramsey, Bale, Moore & James.

I expect an even game here with a bit more domination by Wales. I expect 1-1 or 1-2.