When the World Cup kicks off in Qatar in November, it will make history as the first World Cup hosted during the fall. Due to the unique calendar, the competition will be played on a reduced timeline between Nov. 20 and Dec. 18.
The four countries that make up Group B are England, the United States, Wales, and Iran.
England has the most experience within the group and enters the World Cup as one of the favorites to reach the final. Meanwhile, the USMNT will be making their return to the tournament after failing to qualify for the 2018 edition in Russia.
So who will qualify out of Group B? Let’s look at current betting lines in order to identify Group B best bets and props.
World Cup Group B odds are current as of 3:30 p.m. EST on Friday, Nov. 18 at BetMGM Sportsbook.
World Cup Group B Winner Odds
- England (-350)
- USA (+550)
- Wales (+600)
- Iran (+1800)
England is a massive favorite to win Group B at -350, making a straight-up wager less lucrative than betting on one of the longshots.
However, Gareth Southgate and the Three Lions squad are the odds-on favorites for a reason, so while the profit may not be enticing, it might be a poor decision to bet against them.
Read all of our World Cup Group Predictions
- World Cup Predictions: Group A
- World Cup Predictions: Group C
- World Cup Predictions: Group D
- World Cup Predictions: Group E
- World Cup Predictions: Group F
- World Cup Predictions: Group G
- World Cup Predictions: Group H
World Cup Group B Preview
England (-350)
The Three Lions have a powerhouse roster led by Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Mason Mount.
England has struggled mightily to score goals in their lead-up to the World Cup. In fact, the Three Lions were even relegated in the UEFA Nations League in September.
On the other hand, a large portion of this exact roster was part of the English side that finished fourth at the World Cup in 2018, so we know how dangerous this side can be. The question is if Southgate can properly motivate this team to be the best they can be during the World Cup. This is a question that many people feel is in doubt.
However, there is no questioning how World Cup betting operators are viewing England, who are currently listed as the fourth favorite to win the entire tournament, behind only Brazil, France, and Argentina. The nation boasts one of the finest defensive units in the entire tournament. It is merely a question of whether or not they can find a way to score enough goals.
USA (+550)
There is a bit of excitement surrounding the USMNT after a complete roster overhaul, following the nation’s failure to qualify for the World Cup in 2018.
Captain Christian Pulisic is joined by Brenden Aaronson, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, and Sergiño Dest in team USA’s quest to qualify out of Group B.
If the United States can find a way to penetrate the English defense and steal a point in a draw, they could have a path to securing an upset victory in Group B. (Read our full USA vs England prediction.)
However, the most likely path to success will be through defeating Wales and Iran to secure a second-place finish.
USA manager Gregg Berhalter led the U.S. to a CONCACAF Gold Cup victory back in 2021, but the competition was certainly not on the level they will be facing in Qatar.
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Wales (+600)
This will be the second World Cup appearance for Wales, who are led by veterans Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey.
The Dragons advanced to the quarterfinals the last time they appeared in this tournament (1958), and sportsbooks have them almost neck and neck with the United States to qualify out of Group B.
If Wales can put forth a strong defensive effort and produce moments of brilliance on the counter, they could sneak their way into the Round of 16. However, that is likely to be their best-case scenario.
Iran (+1800)
Iran will be making their seventh appearance in the World Cup this year and are the reigning champions of the Asian Football Confederation.
The Persian Stars collected eight wins during the qualifying stage, finishing top of the group ahead of Son Heung-min and South Korea.
Do not underestimate Iran. Carlos Queiroz‘s squad is a legitimate threat to pull off an upset.
World Cup Group B Winner Best Bet
England (-350) at BetMGM Sportsbook
WAGER: 2 Units
As mentioned above, England is a heavy favorite in Group B for good reason. If looking for a safe profit, the Three Lions are the way to go given their superior roster and experience in the World Cup.
- Learn more about betting on the World Cup
World Cup Group B Props
USA to Qualify (+100) at BetMGM Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Even though sportsbooks have the United States and Wales nearly even, team USA has a vastly superior roster and should be listed as a bigger favorite to qualify out of Group B.
By no means am I suggesting it will be a cakewalk for the USMNT, as both Wales and Iran have the ability to shake things up. However, the United States has a talented roster that should provide them with enough firepower to secure a position in the Round of 16.
