Ever since the draw for the World Cup was made back in April, there have been two schools of thought when it comes to the USMNT’s chances in Qatar. On one hand, it seems more than manageable, especially when compared to the task they had in 2014 with Germany, Portugal and Ghana all in their group. On the other hand, perhaps there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to Group B. First up is Wales, and despite recent successes with a squad bolstered by the presence of the talismanic Gareth Bale, they are set to be an unpredictable package in Qatar. Bale’s form for his new side LAFC has been excellent and there’s no doubting he adds another level to his game in the red shirt of Wales. The 2016 Euros come to mind, where Wales reached the semifinals and his showings performances against Austria and Ukraine helped them reach their first World Cup since 1958. But that’s precisely the point, it’s their first World Cup in 64 years; none of that squad has ever experienced the pressures of the World’s greatest sporting spectacle before while the USMNT by comparison head to their ninth World Cup since 1990. Berhalter’s side are also young and inexperienced when it comes to World Cups as a result of the failure to qualify for Russia in 2018 but there is a history to draw on and experience in the coaching staff that will help them along the way, no such assistance will be offered to their counterparts. Wales are likely to be the United States’ closest opposition for the second spot in Group B and while the Stars and Stripes are slight favourites heading into the clash on November 21, their opening match in Qatar could ultimately be a tournament-defining contest for the USMNT.

How will the USMNT fare in Qatar?