USA look ahead to Wales World Cup clash

The 2022 FIFA World Cup kicks off today in the glittering, air conditioned surroundings of Qatar.

A sparkling opening ceremony inside the Bedouin-tent inspired Al Bayt Stadium will invite the world to come together in Qatar today as the FIFA World Cup kicks off for the first time in the Middle East and Arab world.

The theme of the opening ceremony is a gathering for all mankind, bridging differences through humanity, respect and inclusion.

The seven-act programme will be led by world class talents that interlace Qatari tradition with worldwide culture and will include tributes to the 32 competing teams.

The 30-minute show will be full of surprises, with the main act featuring a performance of Dreamers – a hit single on the FIFA World Cup Official Soundtrack – by celebrated South Korean pop star Jung Kook of BTS and Qatari singer Fahad Al-Kubaisi.

Each participating team has been allocated a special World Cup song for the tournament. USA have been given the 1980s Bruce Springsteen classic Born in the USA. The Welsh song is Tom Jones timeless hit It’s not Unusual!

USA kick off their campaign with a tie against Wales.

USA had an uneasy qualifying route to Qatar, stumbling through a CONCACAF group to finish behind Canda and Mexico and edging out Costa Rica on goal difference for the final automatic spot.

Gregg Berhalter’s team boast some decent talent though, with young players at good European clubs. Chelsea’s Christian Pullisic could feature, alongside Leeds United duo Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams. Gio Reyna from Borussia Dortmund is also a name to note. Adams is expected to captain the side against Wales.

This will be new ground for many of the US stars, with many being unfamiliar with the pressures and problems of tournament football so far from home.

USA are likely to face fellow ‘countryman’ Gareth Bale in Qatar, the Welsh skipper who currently turns out for Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC.

Bale’s presence is likely to increase interest in the tournament amongst the American soccer-watching public. With England expected to top the group though, it could come down to a shoot-out between the United States and Wales to see who else moves from Group B to the knock-out stages.

Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt