Football Tips

World Cup: USA v Wales Odds & Predictions - The American View


This article was first published on our partner website SportsBettingDime.

What better way to get involved with our US partners than to get their opinion on their own team at the World Cup, even more important given they are in the same group as England and Wales.


  • The latest USA vs Wales odds tab the Stars and Stripes as +160 favorites to win the match
  • This is just Wales’ second World Cup appearance and the first competitive meeting between the sides
  • Read below for our preview and best bet for this Group B clash

The USA and Wales begin their 2022 World Cup campaign at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan on Monday. Wales have qualified for the competition for the first time since 1958, while the USA are in their 11th edition of the tournament. These sides have met only twice previously, competing in friendlies in friendlies in 2003 and 2020.

With England heavily favored to win the group, the World Cup odds indicate these two sides are battling it out for second in Group B. Victory for either team here would put them at an immense advantage.

Wales have accumulated tournament experience from their efforts at the last two European Championships, but this controversial, unusual World Cup throws up various other variables.

The USA are handed an implied probability to win the match of 43.48% with a moneyline of +130, with Wales’ implied probability coming in at 29.41%. Heading into the tournament there are many team USA props to consider as well.

Over/Under and Spread

The over/under for total goals is set at 2.5, but books are clearly expecting a low-scoring affair with a -194 price on under 2.5. The over is +158. The USA are +460 on the -1 spread with Wales priced at +200 on +1. Those fancying an emphatic victory for the USA can get +1200 on -2 for your World Cup picks.

USA vs Wales Preview

Neither team brings the best form into this tournament. Wales lost four and drew once in their last five matches in the Nations League, while the USMNT have failed to score in three of their last five matches, including a loss to Japan and draw with Saudi Arabia in September. These teams are in this World Cup merit, of course, but they will hope their previous tournament efforts can set them up for success in Qatar.Over/Under and Spread

The US were Gold Cup runners-up in 2019 and winners in 2021. Wales were semi-finalists at the Euros six years ago and made the round of 16 in the delayed tournament last summer before falling to Denmark.

With Gareth Bale firmly in the twilight years of his career and Aaron Ramsey past his best, the USA clearly have the better squad on paper, but this match is a meeting of contrasting styles.

Different Approaches

Gregg Berhalter has the USA playing comfortable possession football, capable of keeping the ball away from their opponents and picking passes between the lines when space opens up. It can be slow at times, but the pace of their play explodes when Christian Pulisic and co get the ball on the half-turn.

Wales are happy enough out of possession. Their success over the last few years has depended on resolute defense, Bale’s magic and quick transitions. The USA can be vulnerable in transition at times, and Wales will not hesitate to get the ball forward.

While the Welsh defense has a history of frustrating opponents, they have been far easier to break down of late. Rob Page’s team have kept just one clean sheet in 11 matches.

USA vs Wales Lineups and Injuries

USA Projected Lineup: Turner; Dest, Zimmerman, Long, Robinson; Musah, Adams, McKennie; Aaronson, Ferreira, Pulisic.

USA Injuries: De La Torre.

Wales Projected Lineup: Hennessey; Ampadu, Rodon, Davies; Roberts, Ramsey, Morrell, Williams; Bale, Johnson, James.

Wales Injuries: Allen.

USA vs Wales Prediction

With the balance of Group B, this is one of the most significant fixtures in the first round of World Cup matches. Both teams could be cautious as a result, knowing a defeat would put a major dent in their qualification hopes.

While Wales did well to earn their place in Qatar, their performances in the Nations League do not inspire much confidence. They were overmatched against each of their opponents, and could be in a similar situation here. The USA have the quality and style of play to really control this match.

It is hard to see how Wales win this one. They have scored twice in a match on just one occasion in 2022.

Pick: USA win or draw and under 2.5 total goals (-114)

Craig Jones

Craig Jones

Content Manager on Freebets. Experienced punter, from back street, smoke filled betting shops in the 2000s, to state of the art, dedicated betting apps of the 2020s. Covering the gambling industry with expert opinion and looking at the latest innovations.