USA vs. Wales Picks, Predictions World Cup 2022: Bale Looks to Lead Way for Underdog
The U.S. Men's National Team opens their 2022 World Cup quest against Wales on Monday. Read on for our top USA-Wales World Cup picks.
Blamed by many for his squad selection and tactics, U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter will need to find the best possible team version when his side confronts Wales and top star Gareth Bale. The Welsh hope to start the tournament with a win that could turn out to be decisive for qualification in the Round of 16.
Here are our picks for Monday's World Cup match between the USA and Wales on Nov. 21 (odds via DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).
Check out our World Cup 2022 betting guide.
USA vs. Wales Game Info
Date: Monday, Nov. 21, 2 p.m. ET
Coverage: FOX Sports 1. Telemundo
Location: Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar
Weather: 67 degrees, 0% chance of precipitation, 10-mph winds
USA vs. Wales Picks
USA vs. Wales ML Pick
Wales (+205) ★★★
England are the group’s top favorites, while Iran start as the outsiders. The clash between Wales and the USMNT could have a major impact on both teams’ fortunes in the competition. Returning to the World Cup after missing out in 2018, the U.S. are yet to reach the potential suggested by the individual quality of its players.
Coach Berhalter is under immense pressure to make his team deliver after a series of dismal performances in the friendlies leading to the World Cup. On the other hand, Wales count on excellent team spirit and Bale’s class. The Europeans look better equipped to come out on top when the two national teams confront in Al Rayyan.
USA vs. Wales O/U Pick
Under 2.5 (-188) ★★★
The USMNT had trouble finding the net in their last two friendlies before the World Cup. Berhalter chose not to have any test scheduled this month and counted on the impression he was left with in September.
Back then, the USA played two games, losing 2-0 against Japan and drawing 0-0 against Saudi Arabia, a team regarded as one of the weakest at this World Cup.
Wales is not an attacking spectacle either, having scored one goal at most in four of their last five matches. They’ll look to hit on the counter, counting on the electric players they have up front: Bale and Daniel James.
USA vs. Wales Prop Pick
Gareth Bale anytime scorer (+185) ★★★★
Bale is fresh from winning the MLS Cup with LAFC after a thrilling final with Philadelphia Union. Bale even scored in the final, levelling the match at 3-3 in the 128th minute before a penalty shootout decided L.A.’s triumph.
The Welshman only started two games since he joined L.A. in the summer, and came on as a sub in another 11 clashes. Despite his limited playing time in the MLS, the former Real Madrid star always looked dangerous when he was on. Wales counts on the 33-year-old to make the difference and, having already faced many of the USMNT opponents he’s about to play against on Monday, he’ll surely know better than anyone else where to hit and apply pressure.
Where to Bet on USA-Wales Picks
Here are our best World Cup betting sites:
United States-Wales picks made 11/17/2022 at 9:56 a.m. ET
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