Wales enter the 2022 World Cup as one of the firm outsiders to win the whole thing. In this article, we will take a look at Cymru’s chances of performing a miracle and taking home the trophy.
Best World Cup Betting Sites
World Cup 2022 Outright Odds
Nation | Odds | Bookmaker |
---|---|---|
Brazil | 4/1 | |
Argentina |
6/1 | |
France |
7/1 | |
England |
17/2 | |
Wales | 200/1 |
First World Cup In 64 Years
Rob Page will become the first manager to lead Wales out at two major tournaments when he oversees their first World Cup appearance for 64-years in Qatar.
Page led Wales to a last-16 place at the delayed Euro 2020 tournament, eventually losing 4-0 to Denmark, so will be hoping to go beyond that stage this year.
It’s been 64 years since Pele’s first World Cup goal ended Wales’ 1958 campaign, and a lot has changed since then.
The country has seen the emergence of a new golden generation, and in 2016, Wales made the semi-finals of Euro 2016. They were led by former Real Madrid and Tottenham star Gareth Bale, with help from Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen and Wayne Hennessey.
They recaptured the hearts and imaginations of the nation as they stormed to the last four of the competition.
Confirmed 26-Man Squad
Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey, Danny Ward, Adam Davies.
Defenders: Ben Davies, Ben Cabango, Tom Lockyer, Joe Rodon, Chris Mepham, Ethan Ampadu, Chris Gunter, Neco Williams, Connor Roberts, Sorba Thomas.
Midfielders: Joe Allen, Matt Smith, Dylan Levitt, Joe Morrell, Jonny Williams, Aaron Ramsey.
Forwards: Harry Wilson, Rubin Colwill, Gareth Bale, Kieffer Moore, Mark Harris, Brennan Johnson, Daniel James.
Key Players
Gareth Bale will always be the face of this current Wales squad. He may be an ageing force but he still has the X Factor and has stepped up for his country in the past, and Qatar could even be his last dance in a Wales shirt.
He’s also just finished his domestic campaign in America, after winning the MLS cup with LAFC. He scored a late goal to level the scoring against Philadelphia, before helping the team win on penalties to be crowned the MLS champions.
Gareth Bale's 128th-minute MLS Cup equalizer as heard across the world.
🌍 Different languages, same passion.
📹: @LAFC pic.twitter.com/XJmOwmemwK
— COPA90 (@Copa90) November 9, 2022
While he has struggled to hit top form in 13 MLS appearances, the clip above shows just how high Bale can rise to an occasion.
Another player which will be pivotal in making an impact for the Red Dragons this tournament is Brennan Johnson. The 21-year-old played a starring role in Nottingham Forest’s promotion to the Premier League and a decent set of performances in this year’s UEFA Nations League has cemented his spot in the squad.
He’s yet to light up the Premier League, but still has two goals to his name. He’s also joined by two other Forest players in Neco Williams and Hennessey.
Wales kick-start their tournament against the USA on Monday 21 November, before facing Iran four days later. Page’s men then round off the group stage against England on Tuesday, November 29.
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