Wales World Cup odds: Dragons ready to roar in Qatar

United States

Wales will kick off against the United States on November 21 at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, the venue for their three group matches.

The US are 15th in the FIFA world rankings, only three places above Wales. Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic is the key player in a side managed by Gregg Berhalter.

The Americans have emerging talent such as Barcelona full-back Sergio Dest, Borussia Dortmund midfielder Gio Reyna and Juventus’ Weston McKennie.

They were inconsistent in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying though, finishing behind Canada and Mexico and only secured automatic qualification due to a better goal difference than Costa Rica.

Despite that, the US have been priced up as the 13/10 favourites while a winning start for Rob Page’s men can be backed at 2/1 in the Wales World Cup odds.

Iran

Little may be known about Iran, but the ‘Persian Leopards’ are ranked 21st in the world – three places below Wales.

Iran are coached by the Croatian Dragan Skocic and will meet Wales on November 25. Many of their players are based in Iran, but a growing number now ply their trade in Europe. Hull loanee Allahyar Sayyadmanesh and Feyenoord’s former Brighton winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh are known to English football fans.

Iran were impressive in the final round of Asian qualifying, winning eight and drawing one of their 10 games to finish above South Korea and take top spot.

But their World Cup preparations have been hit by problems with planned games against Canada and South Africa cancelled.

Wales World Cup odds

Wales are 150/1 to go all the way and win the World Cup but will start the tournament with more realistic ambitions.

They are 6/1 to win Group B and 6/4 to progress to the knockout stage, while 50/1 is available for them to reach the final.

View the latest World Cup odds

All odds and markets correct as of date of publication