English fans should be rejoicing. Group B came up somewhat soft, which is one of the reasons even though they’ve played awful soccer during the Nations League, England remains second choice to win the World Cup. The top contender to England’s march to the knockout stage are the Americans. Check out why England ranks first and the United States ranks second in this World Cup Group B rankings article. Let’s jump right into action so you can keep planning your bets against the FIFA World Cup Odds. 

2022 FIFA World Cup Group B Rankings | Soccer Betting Preview

2022 Qatar World Cup

• When: Nov. 21 – Dec. 18

1. England

Few teams at the 2022 Qatar World Cup boast a squad as talented as England’s. So although the English have failed miserably in their Nations League matches, including an 0-4 drubbing at the hands of Hungary, Gareth Southgate’s squad remains one of the teams to beat to win the WC tournament.

The reason to get excited if you’re an England fan is because there isn’t a single position on the pitch where England won’t have an advantage or will be at least on the same level as their opponents. Even goalie Jordan Pickford plays for an English Premier League squad. Pickford puts the gloves on for Everton. 

Defenders Kyle Walker and John Stone both play for Man City. Harry McGuire puts on a Man United kit. Reece James is a 22-year-old defender for Chelsea.

The midfield is as strong as it gets. Kalvin Phillips is a Sky Blue. Connor Gallagher and Mason Mount play for the Blues. 19-year-old Jude Bellingham puts on a Dortmund kit. 

When it comes to forwards, only Brazil can boast a more powerful unit than the English. Harry Kane, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, and Tammy Abraham all play for top UEFA league teams.

Even if Gareth Southgate doesn’t get the English to play their best during the group stage, the most talented soccer nation on the planet after Brazil should waltz to the second round.

2. United States

This year’s U.S. World Cup team boasts enough talent, and plays in a weak enough group, to easily make it to the Round of 16. Team USA sends one of the top striking midfielders in the Premier League, Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic, to the pitch.

Pulisic isn’t the only player who will help the U.S. make it to the knockout stage. Weston McKennie is a Juventus midfielder. Tyler Adams plays the mid for Leeds, and 19-year-old Yunus Musah steps onto the pitch for LaLiga squad Valencia. 

Defender Antonee Robinson plays for Fulham, Joe Scally, a 19-year-old defender, puts on the cleats for Monchengladbach, and forward Timothy Weah throws down for Lille. The United States has enough talent to finish behind England make it to the second round.  

3. Wales

The United States isn’t a lock to get by Wales. But based on rosters, the Welsh don’t match up well with the Americans.

If the U.S. plays their best possible soccer, they will beat Gareth Bale and his mates. If Wales steps it up, and the United States takes a backward step, Wales will leapfrog the Americans and stamp their ticket to the Round of 16.

Give the Welsh a chance. They’re good enough to take down the Americans. Right now, though, Wales ranks third. 

4. Iran

On paper, Iran is good enough to finish third in Group B. If the United States shows nothing, the Iranians could finish second.

The reason Iran is fourth is because rumor has it the team is in disarray. The Iranians are fighting among themselves. That’s never a good sign leading up to a World Cup. 

Iran has a small window in which to make it to the knockout stage. Any infighting, no matter how small, will end Iran’s chances of a second round trip. So as of now, Iran is the fourth ranked squad in Group B. 

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