For all of the star power on display, Group B features four teams entering the tournament with serious questions. The U.S. stumbles into Qatar in poor form, with a drubbing at the hands of Japan and an indifferent draw with Saudi Arabia in its final warmups. England was relegated from its group in the UEFA Nations League after a string of defeats. Wales has won one of its last eight matches. Iran fired manager Dragan Skočić in July despite an excellent qualifying run and brought back Carlos Queiroz for a third Cup, while its players have been involved with anti-government protests.
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Yet in international competition, where the games can often be cagey and choppy, talent should be enough to win through in this group. England was at one point the betting favorite to win the whole tournament, and for good reason—the Three Lions have one of the most complete rosters in the world, led by captain Harry Kane. And while the U.S. has talented players at big clubs around the globe, the fact remains that the Americans have been held without a goal in six of their last seven games against teams in this field. That lack of firepower could leave the door open for Wales and Iran.
