England’s 0-0 draw with the USA has kept all four sides in the group in with a shout of qualifying for the last 16 in Qatar, though some have far easier tasks than others to make it out of Group B.
With that in mind, 101 takes a look at just what every side needs to do to ensure their progression to the next stage.
England
England and Gareth Southgate are in the driving seat to qualify from Group B despite a poor performance against the USA at the Al Bayt Stadium on Friday night. On four points, a point in their final game against Wales will be enough to see them through, while a win would guarantee them top spot in the group, which could hand them a more favourable last-16 tie against the runners-up of group A.
They can qualify even with defeat, though of course they will not want that to be the outcome on Tuesday evening. Courtesy of their impressive 6-2 win over Iran, provided that they do not lose by more than three goals to Wales, they will be going through to the last 16 no matter the results elsewhere.
Gareth Southgate (Alamy Stock Photo)
Iran
Despite a comprehensive defeat to England, a remarkable 2-0 win over Wales in stoppage time has left Iran in a strong position.
Should Wales not win against England, Carlos Quieroz’s side will just need a draw to qualify from the group in their final game against the USA. Sitting on three points at the moment, four will be enough to head into the last 16.
Doha, Qatar. 25th Nov, 2022. AL-RAYYAN, AR – 25.11.2022: WALES V IRAN – Wales vs Iran Party, match corresponding to group B, valid for the first group stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, held at the Ahmad Bin Ali stadium (Photo: Juan Antonio Sanchez/Fotoare 2KK1HE1 Doha, Qatar. 25th Nov, 2022. AL-RAYYAN, AR – 25.11.2022: WALES V IRAN – Wales vs Iran Party, match corresponding to group B, valid for the first group stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, held at the Ahmad Bin Ali stadium (Photo: Juan Antonio Sanchez/Fotoarena/Sipa USA) Credit: Sipa US/Alamy Live News Credit: Sipa US/Alamy Live News (Alamy Stock Photo)
If they lose, meanwhile, they will be out.
USA
With two points to their name at this stage, the United States head into their clash with Iran knowing that a win in their final game will see them through, but that a draw would not be enough.
This comes with Iran having beaten Wales, leaving them on three points, meaning that a draw would take them to four with the US marooned on three. Unless they win, therefore, they will be out.
Al Khor, Qatar. 25th Nov, 2022. Christian Pulisic (L) of the United States vies with Kieran Trippier (R) of England during the Group B match between England and the United States at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, Nov. 25, 20 2KKBRG7 Al Khor, Qatar. 25th Nov, 2022. Christian Pulisic (L) of the United States vies with Kieran Trippier (R) of England during the Group B match between England and the United States at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, Nov. 25, 2022. Credit: Li Ming/Xinhua/Alamy Live News Credit: Pan Yulong/Xinhua/Alamy Live News (Alamy Stock Photo)
Wales
Bottom of the group and with one point to their name, Wales look rank outsiders to head through, but it remains a possibility for Gareth Bale and co.
Facing top-of-the-group England, who also need a result to ensure qualification, Wales must beat their old foe and rely on a draw between the USA and Iran, which would take them through in second place on goal difference.
Alternatively, were they to beat England by four goals, they would head through in place of the Three Lions.
Doha, Qatar. 25th Nov, 2022. Gareth Bale of Wales during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 match, Group B, between Wales and Iran played at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Nov 25, 2022 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. (Photo by Bagu Blanco / PRESSIN) Credit: Sipa US/Alamy Live 2KK14A4 Doha, Qatar. 25th Nov, 2022. Gareth Bale of Wales during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 match, Group B, between Wales and Iran played at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Nov 25, 2022 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. (Photo by Bagu Blanco / PRESSIN) Credit: Sipa US/Alamy Live News (Alamy Stock Photo)