Wales have been in a World Cup draw for the first time since 1958, but have to edge past Scotland or the Ukraine to take their place in Group B out in Qatar this winter.
The draw appears to have been kind, with Group B also containing the United States, Iran and old enemy England, who Wales pushed all the way at Euro 2016, before suffering last-minute heartbreak. So, what are the realistic prospects for Gareth Bale and his team getting out of the group and who would they then meet next, and indeed beyond that?
We take a closer look...
READ MORE: World Cup 2022 draw in full as Wales to face England if they make it
The play-off step
Date : TBC
Ukraine – FIFA World Ranking 27
Scotland – FIFA World Ranking 39
Whilst Wales have not yet qualified for the World Cup in Qatar, seeing their name in the hat means Rob Page and his players will no doubt have been watching last week's draw as eagerly as the fans. Can they edge past the winners of the Scotland v Ukraine play-off semi-final?
Things much bigger than football have been on the minds of the Ukrainian manager Oleksandr Petrakov and his players. As Russia’s invasion enters its second month, Petrakov is still refusing to leave his home in the capital Kyiv to somewhere more secure in Western Ukraine.
Competitive football is banned in Ukraine for those aged between 18 and 60 who can fight. Currently, only 11 of 33 players available are playing regularly outside of Ukraine, like West Ham’s Andriy Yarmolenko. Petrakov insists those based domestically need several matches to regain fitness before the play-off match. The game against Scotland is due to be played some time in June.
The Scots know every neutral will likely be cheering Petrakov’s side on. Scotland have been to a World Cup eight times, but never made it out of the group stages. Steve Clarke’s side has quality in the likes of skipper Andy Robertson, John McGinn and Kieran Tierney, but lack a real goal scorer.
USA
Monday November 21 (7pm)
FIFA World Ranking – 15
Perhaps ranked surprisingly high, the USA are placed above Wales, who are 18th in the rankings, and also notably higher than Croatia and Colombia. Coached by former Crystal Palace player, Gregg Berhalter since 2018, they have jumped up 10 rankings places in that time.
The Americans failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, a shortcoming that sparked plenty of soul-searching in a country that has otherwise enjoyed tremendous growth as a footballing nation in recent years. Winning the CONCACAF Nations League in 2020 and CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2021 has certainly helped heal those wounds, and there are high hopes for what is a vibrant and talented young squad. Captained by Christian Pulisic, and possessing other talents such as Giovanni Reyna, Weston McKennie and Sergino Dest, Wales would underestimate them at their peril.
Iran
Friday November 25 (10am)
FIFA World Ranking – 21
Managed by Dragan Skocic, this will be Iran’s sixth appearance at a World Cup, and third in a row. They achieved their best World Cup performance of four points last time out in Russia, but still failed to progress further than the group stage.
Whilst Porto striker Mehdi Taremi will be a threat, having scored 27 goals in 57 international appearances, Sardar Azmoun is the danger man with 40 goals in 62 games. However, with players like Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, Welsh fans could be forgiven for feeling confident.
England
Tuesday November 29 ( 7pm)
FIFA World Ranking – 5
Wales’ magical Euro 2016 started as Chris Coleman’s side earned six points and pipped England to win the group. However, since that calamitous exit to Iceland and Roy Hodgson’s subsequent departure, the Three Lions have reached a World Cup semi-final and then the Euros final.
Whilst success has arguably never been closer, matching that 1966 World Cup success still eludes them. Gareth Southgate's side have bundles of talent, led by Harry Kane, and will be one of the favourites to win the tournament, let alone Group B. Then again, England fans might have said that in 2016.
The last 16 and beyond
The likelihood is England will win the group this time, meaning Wales are vying for the runners-up spot. That would set up a round 16 game with the winners of Group A – most likely Senegal or Netherlands.
Of course, it's impossible to predict what will happen. But if Wales can edge through that too, and things go to form in other groups, a quarter-final clash with one of Argentina, Poland, France or Denmark would be in store.
Wales would be rank underdogs at that stage. Then again, they said that about Belgium in Lille in 2016.
The semis? Well, let's not go there at this stage. Too many imponderables, as the above demonstrates.
