Wales
Group:
B
First Match:
November 22, 2022, 3 AM SGT
Stadium:
Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium
Wales last qualified for the World Cup in 1958, when they finished in third place out of 16 teams in Sweden before being eliminated by eventual champions Brazil, who were led by Pele in the final minute of regulation.
After waiting for the big time for 64 years, Wales has returned. They finished second in their group behind the Czech Republic, thanks in large part to a home draw against Belgium in the final qualifying game, and then advanced to the playoffs by beating Austria and then Ukraine.
Even yet, they do have more recent experience in big events, having participated in the previous two European Championships (making the quarterfinals in 2016 and being eliminated by Denmark in the Round of 16 at the EUROs last year).
Key Player: Gareth Bale (LA Galaxy)
Unquestionably the best player on the field for Wales right now, Bale, at age 33, is the team's best chance of making it to the World Cup.
The former Tottenham and Real Madrid star is now the all-time leading goalscorer for his country after scoring twice in a 2-1 win against Austria and once in a 1-0 triumph against Ukraine throughout the playoffs, as well as three more goals in qualification.
His improved fitness for the upcoming winter big tournament is a direct result of his higher match time since joining the MLS.