While this is only the first game of the group for each side, Monday’s 7pm fixture may well be a must win. With England hot favourites to win this section and Iran fully expected to finish bottom, if either Wales or the United States can take three points here, they will be in pole position to claim the second qualifying place.
The odds are close in this section and they are tight as far as this match is concerned, so let’s see if the Group of Death can live up to its nickname.
There are odds against figures on all three possible results. USMNT are the favourites with most bookmakers offering 13/8 on Gregg Berhalter’s side. Elsewhere in the match result betting, both the draw and a victory for Wales can be claimed at 2/1.
The two teams have yet to meet in a World Cup match. The head-to-head results show two previous games, both of which were international friendlies. The USA won 2-0 in 2003 while a 2020 encounter finished in a goalless draw.
There may not be too much relevance in those matches, but the most recent game could indicate a tight 90 minutes on Monday. There is a lot at stake in this opening fixture and, when it comes to the betting tips for this World Cup match preview, the draw is definitely the most tempting of the three possibilities.
Gareth Bale is seen as the key figure for Wales. He has declared himself fully fit for his side’s opener and he is the 5/1 favourite in the first goalscorer market. The USA’s Jesus Ferreira is next. The FC Dallas man has scored seven times in his first 15 senior internationals and he will attract interest at best industry odds of 6/1.
Other options for this bet include Wales’ Kieffer Moore and the United States’ Josh Seargant who are both quoted at a top price of 7/1. For a value pick from behind the main strikers, Christian Pulisic could be one to watch at 8/1. Chelsea’s attacking midfielder is the top scorer in the U.S. squad with 21 goals in 52 games.
For those who want to consider a real longshot, Wales’ Ben Davies has scored two rare goals for Spurs in recent weeks and he is listed at a top price of 66/1.
Moving on to other side bets and this is one of those rare games where Both Teams Not to Score carries the shorter of two prices. You can take the ‘no’ option on BTTS at 4/6 while the yes vote carries a tempting 11/10.
The bookies clearly think that this is going to be a low scorer as the Over 2.5 Goals selection also makes a rare trip above even money. You can get odds of 13/8 to go Over 2.5 goals while a push to Over 3.5 takes the figures to an industry best of 19/4.
This preview rounds off with some Correct Score suggestions: It promises to be a tight game and there will be interest in a 1-1 final outcome at best industry odds of 11/2. A 2-1 win for Wales can currently be claimed at 12/1 while the same scoreline in favour of the USA is marginally shorter at 11/1.
Also, before coming to our betting tips for this game, do compare the outright World Cup winner odds from our top recommended bookies.
Our Preview’s USMNT vs Wales Betting Tips Verdict
It is clear to see the bookmakers’ thinking ahead of this game as there is so much at stake for both teams. England are hot favourites to win Group B and, with Iran likely to finish bottom, that would leave one more qualifying place up for grabs.
Anyone who wins here on Monday night should claim that second slot so, in one sense, it is a game that Wales and the USA dare not lose. Will that lead to a cagey encounter with defensive play a priority, and should we all lump on a 0-0 draw?
The match may follow that pattern, but it only takes one goal at either end to open things up. Because of the bookies’ verdict, there are some generous prices in the goals markets and we can take advantage.
Both Teams to Score rarely hits 11/10 and that’s our first selection. As for Over 2.5 goals, it is hard to remember a time when it has reached odds of 13/8. Those selections go against the theory of a defensive game but just one goal will change the face of the tie.
The result itself is too close for comfort so we will stay with these two side bets. It should be a fascinating opening game in Group B and hopefully it will be more entertaining than the markets suggest. So these are our betting tips for this USA vs Wales clash:
- Both teams to score @ 11/10 with William Hill.
- Over 2.5 goals @ 13/8 with Bet365.
Matt Harris is a football writer for Just Bookies. Other sports in his portfolio of specialities include golf and cricket. Matt has contributed to innumerable large organisations and media brands. These include: Betfair, BetVictor, USA Betting & Unibet. 