As Pot 2 participants, the U.S. are expected to advance through to the Round of 16, but they will face stiff competition from Wales in doing so. As European playoff qualifiers, Rob Page’s side entered the competition after the draw, meaning they were placed into Pot 4. As a result, Group B is much tougher than perhaps expected and this match is a prime example of why.
If either side is to advance from Group B and into the knockout round, a result of any kind in this match will be critical.
Below are the confirmed starting lineups for both teams based on the latest news leading up to the match.
MORE: Follow along with all the minute-by-minute action in USA vs. Wales here
USA vs. Wales lineups
In a match of such fine margins, both head coaches will have to nail both their starting lineups and their in-game substitutes to have a chance at collecting points.
Below are the starting lineups for both teams ahead of their match on Monday at Al Rayyan Stadium, which were confirmed about an hour prior to kickoff.
MORE: World Cup 2022 Group B: Schedule, fixtures, times for England, USA, Iran, Wales
USA confirmed starting 11
4-3-3, right to left: 1-Turner (GK) — 2-Dest, 3-Zimmerman, 13-Ream, 5-A. Robinson — 6-Musah, 4-Adams, 8-McKennie — 21-Weah, 24-Sargent, 10-Pulisic.
Injured: Miles Robinson (Achilles, out), Sergino Dest (hamstring, questionable), Matt Turner (calf, probable) Suspended: None
For the United States, head coach Gregg Berhalter has a host of decisions to make in the opening match.
Chief amongst them is if and how to use Chelsea star Christian Pulisic who has been in and out of the lineup at Stamford Bridge. Opposite Pulisic on the other flank is likely Tim Weah, who returned from his early-season injury to full 90-minute fitness for Lille right before the tournament. Gio Reyna will be a bench option to inject life into the game late. Up front, Josh Sargent starts over Jesus Ferreira, a surprise given how much of a Berhalter favorite Ferreria has been of late.
The biggest decision will be who to start at center-back alongside presumed starter Walker Zimmerman. The preferred option is Tim Ream, who not only forced his way onto the roster with good form at Fulham but has now secured a starting role as well. He starts over Cameron Carter-Vickers and Aaron Long who will still likely see time later in the game or tournament.
The midfield is certainly set, with the “MMA” trio of Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, and Yunus Musah likely to start the entirety of the U.S. journey through the World Cup as long as they’re healthy.
Wales projected starting 11
3-5-2, right to left: 1-Hennessey (GK) — 5-Mepham, 6-Rodon, 4-Davies — 14-Roberts, 15-Ampadu, 8-Wilson, 10-Ramsey, 3-N. Williams — 11-Bale, 20-James
Injured: Rhys Norrington-Davies (hamstring, out), Tom Lawrence (knee, out) Suspended: None
Star Gareth Bale struggled mightily in MLS play after a summer switch to LAFC, falling out of the squad completely, but he showed his abilities with a critical late goal in the MLS Cup final that allowed his side to complete a comeback and lift the trophy.
Bale will be fit for the match, head coach Rob Page confirmed, as will veteran leader Aaron Ramsey. Despite a lack of recent playing time, Bale starts up top, flanked by the speedy Premier League duo Dan James.
Swansea City veteran Joe Allen has not played a competitive match since September 17, and despite his optimism heading into the World Cup, head coach Rob Page confirmed on Sunday that Allen would miss the opener against the United States. Ethan Ampadu is the man to take over in his defensive midfield position, while Harry Wilson is also inserted into midfield in favor of a third striker.
MORE: World Cup injuries 2022 tracker: Complete list of players battling for fitness
USA vs Wales World Cup squads
Below are the 26 names in the USA and Wales squads for the World Cup in Qatar.
The most-represented club is Premier League side Fulham, with two players on each national team. USA’s Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson will face off against their club teammates Dan James and Harry Wilson. All four Fulham players were in the starting lineups for the match.
