Wales and Iran will square off in their second match of Group B in what should be an evenly-matched contest.
The expectation is that England will both win and dominate the group, which makes this match all the more important for these nations looking to qualify for the Round of 16.
Team Melli fell to the Three Lions 6-2 during their opening match, while the Dragons secured a point by earning a 1-1 draw against the United States.
Iran has qualified for five World Cups in their history but has never been beyond the group stage. Meanwhile, the Welsh side has finally overcome a 64-year drought this year after failing to qualify for over six decades.
Let’s take a look at current betting odds to determine best bets and props for this Group B showdown between the Team Melli and the Dragons.
Wales vs Iran Odds
- 3-way handicap: Wales (+110) | Draw (+220) | Iran (+270)
- Draw No Bet: Wales (-225) | Iran (+155)
- Over/Under Goals: Over 2.5 (+130) | Under 2.5 (-185)
Wales vs Iran odds are current as of Oct. 18. on BetMGM Sportsbook.
The Dragons enter this Group B fixture as a modest favorite, with a clear lean towards Under 2.5 goals. This is as close of a matchup as you will see in the group stage of the World Cup.
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Wales vs Iran Prediction
Wales 1-1 Iran
I expect 90-minutes of competitive football in this match. Wales’ success at the World Cup will come down to the form of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, who both possess quality and experience at a level that Iran is unable to match.
However, Team Melli has plenty of talent that includes Saman Ghoddos (Brentford), Alireza Jahanbakhsh, and Mehdi Taremi (Porto). In fact, Iran qualified for the World Cup by defeating South Korea, led by Tottenham’s Son Heung-min, 1-0.
One thing is for sure, this will be a low-scoring affair. The Dragons could easily pull out a 1-0 or 2-1 victory, but I will back a 1-1 draw after a hard fought match.
Wales vs Iran Betting Tips
- This will be Wales’ first trip to the World Cup since 1958.
- The Dragons are 3-0-2 in their last five matches.
- Iran is 2-1-2 in their last five matches.
- Gareth Bale scored two goals against Austria to secure Wales’ World Cup bid.
- Mehdi Taremi scored four goals and had two assists during the qualifying stage for Iran.
Wales vs Iran Best Bets
Correct Score: 1-1 (+550) at BetMGM Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
This match could go so many ways between a scoreless draw and a blowout Welsh victory that it is difficult to find value in current betting lines. You either need to hone in on a specific outcome or severely handicap your profit potential.
I think betting on Wales to Win & Under 2.5 Goals at +280 is a fine bet, but I am rolling with an exact score of 1-1 to maximize profit in what could be a toss-up.
