The main stage is just moments away from starting in Qatar with Group B featuring England, Wales, Iran and 2026's co-hosts USA. No surprises in the bookies front either with the Three Lions tipped to secure top spot while Wales and USA are tipped for a close encounter as they fight for the second knockout round spot.
Gareth Southgate's side are the firm favourites to secure the top spot in the group as they look to prepare for their opener against Iran while Wales and USA open their World Cup campaign against each other. For Rob Page, he will know the match against USA will be pivotal to secure a place in the knockout round and set the tone for their campaign in Qatar.
Former Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Quieroz is no stranger to the World Cup scene with the former Real Madrid boss entering his third World Cup as Iran boss too.
England - 4/11
The European Championship finalists will be looking to build on their tournament footprint under Southgate but a disastrous Nations League campaign has cast doubts as to how far the Three Lions will go despite so much optimism from the summer of 2021. They failed to secure a single win in their Nations League campaign against Italy, Germany and Hungary but bookies Betfred have priced them at 4/11 to secure top spot.
Wales - 11/2
Wales return to the World Cup scene for the first time since 1958 in Sweden after Page's side qualified via the play-offs against Ukraine. A Gareth Bale free-kick was the difference to put their name in the draw and now they will be looking for moments like that from the LAFC player as well as the rest of the squad.
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USA - 11/2
A new generation of players are slowly starting to secure their footprint for USMNT and return to the World Cup stage having failed to qualify for the 2018 competition in Russia. Talented individuals including Sergino Dest, Weston McKennie, Chelsea's Christian Pulisic and Giovanni Reyna will feature but head coach Gregg Berhalter will need to make sure they play well as team to secure their first knockout round match since 2014.
Iran - 14/1
Brentford's Saman Ghoddos and former Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Alireza Jahanbakhsh will be the most familiar names to many in this Iranian squad along with head coach Quieroz. The Portuguese coach had a successful stint with Team Melli between 2011-2019 before short stints at Colombia and Egypt saw him return September this year.
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