Who will get their hands on the trophy in World Cup 2025?
The countdown to the pinnacle of international soccer is firmly underway. The FIFA World Cup, the world’s most-watched sporting tournament, takes place every four years. This year’s matches are in Qatar, the first time that the tournament has been hosted by a Middle Eastern country.
Plus, in another unprecedented change, the competition is due to kick off in November, instead of the usual June, making it the first-ever Winter World Cup. This is to combat the harsh heat of Middle Eastern summers, although Qatar’s eight stadiums will be air-conditioned anyway as the temperatures will still be high. Only time will tell if the legacy of the World Cup will be a success in Qatar, as sometimes when countries hold soccer tournaments, it can be detrimental long-term, as Portugal’s hangover from 2004 proves.
Team USA will be one of the thirty-two countries participating, after a successful qualifying campaign. It will be the eleventh World Cup that the men’s team have played, with the most successful campaign coming in 2002, when they reached the quarter-finals. Head coach Gregg Berhalter will be hoping to guide the team even further this time, and with superstars like Christian Pulisic in the side, they could be a dark horse for the tournament.
With the draw for the group stages of the World Cup now complete, let’s analyze their opponents in a tricky Group B.
Seattle: A Key Host for the FIFA World Cup 2025
Seattle’s growing prominence in international soccer continues with the city being selected as a host location for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, following its recognition as a venue for FIFA’s 2026 World Cup games. The expanded tournament, featuring 32 teams from every soccer confederation, will take place across the U.S. from June 15 to July 13, 2025. This competition brings together the top club teams from around the globe, offering Seattle soccer fans a unique opportunity to witness elite clubs from UEFA, CONMEBOL, and beyond.
Sounders FC: Making History in the FIFA World Cup 2025
One of the key storylines tied to the tournament is the Seattle Sounders’ historic qualification. The Sounders earned their place in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup by becoming the first MLS team to win the CONCACAF Champions League back in 2022. This marks the first time in the franchise’s 50-year history that they will face clubs from prestigious leagues like UEFA and CONMEBOL in competitive action.
Craig Waibel, Sounders FC General Manager & Chief Soccer Officer, expressed the club’s excitement: “It’s an honor to represent Seattle and American soccer on this stage. Our team is excited and ready for the challenge.”
A Growing Soccer Legacy in Seattle
Seattle’s reputation as a major hub for soccer continues to grow. Hosting the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup builds on the city’s longstanding support for the sport, including the success of the Seattle Sounders and the city’s selection as a host for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The enthusiasm for soccer in the Pacific Northwest positions Seattle as a critical location in shaping the future of American soccer.
With matches taking place from mid-June to mid-July, the tournament is expected to draw large crowds, providing a boost for local economies and further cementing Seattle’s place on the global soccer map. For more information, you can visit Sounders FC’s official 2025 FIFA Club World Cup announcement page.
Iran
A team that the USMNT came up against back in World Cup 98, Iran was the narrow winner back then in a 2-1 victory. That was a game that was watched by the eyes of the world, and not just for sporting reasons. This time round Iran are, on paper at least, the weakest team in the group, but that doesn’t mean that they won’t be frustrating opponents.
Their manager, the Croatian Dragan Skocic, has molded his team to be as functional as possible, making them hard to score against, but also at the cost of being unspectacular going forward. This was reflected in the latter part of their qualifying, where they played ten games, scoring a rather paltry fifteen goals, but only conceding four. Will probably take a magic moment from somewhere, to get the all-important breakthrough against them.
England: A Formidable Foe With Pressure on Their Shoulders
England undoubtedly enters this group as the strongest team, with a rich history and a squad full of world-class players. Their expectations are sky-high, particularly after recent strong performances on the international stage. However, history shows that the USMNT can rise to the occasion when facing the “Three Lions.” In the 1950 World Cup, the United States pulled off one of the tournament’s biggest upsets by defeating England, a result that still reverberates through the annals of World Cup history. The two teams met again in 2010, resulting in a hard-fought 1-1 draw.
This historical resilience against England should galvanize the U.S. squad, reminding them that while England might be seen as favorites, they are far from unbeatable. The pressure will squarely be on the English team, not just to defeat the U.S. but to top the group. England’s fans and media are famously demanding, often placing heavy burdens on the team to live up to their expectations, which could create a window of opportunity for the USMNT to exploit. Over the years, England has developed a reputation for faltering under such pressure, particularly in knockout stages and crucial group matches where the weight of their nation’s hopes looms large.
That said, England has been steadily getting closer to ending their long silverware drought, which dates back to their famous 1966 World Cup victory. Under the leadership of Gareth Southgate, they reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and came agonizingly close to glory at Euro 2020, losing to Italy in the final on penalties. Southgate has proven adept at instilling calmness and belief in his squad, even if his tactical acumen has been called into question at times.
The England squad is packed with talent across the pitch, and their star player, Harry Kane, will be pivotal in their attack. The Tottenham Hotspur striker, known for his clinical finishing and ability to lead the line, will undoubtedly be one of the tournament’s top scorers, making him a primary threat that the U.S. defense will need to neutralize.
Ukraine/Scotland/Wales: A Fight for the Final Spot
The final slot in this World Cup group is yet to be filled, with Ukraine, Scotland, and Wales all vying for the coveted spot. These three teams are locked in a delayed European qualifying playoff, which will finally conclude in June. Ukraine and Scotland will first square off, with the winner advancing to play Wales for the right to compete in Qatar 2022.
Whichever nation emerges from this trio, they are more than capable of creating problems for the USMNT and the other teams in the group. All three teams have rich footballing traditions, and each brings its unique style to the pitch. Ukraine, with its dynamic, attacking play, is currently considered the favorite to advance, but both Scotland and Wales possess the grit and determination needed to cause upsets on football’s biggest stage.
Ukraine, in particular, has a strong squad full of experienced players, and they’ve performed admirably in recent tournaments, including reaching the quarter-finals at Euro 2020. If they make it to Qatar, they will be playing with the added emotional weight of representing a nation in turmoil, which could either galvanize or overwhelm them depending on the circumstances.
Scotland, meanwhile, boasts a rejuvenated squad and ended a long wait for international tournament qualification when they competed at Euro 2020. They’ll be hungry to build on that success and finally make it back to the World Cup after a prolonged absence. Wales, under the leadership of talisman Gareth Bale, offers a balance of defensive solidity and explosive counter-attacks. They’ve consistently punched above their weight in recent years, including a semi-final run at Euro 2016.
The USMNT will need to be wary of whichever team wins the playoff. These squads are packed with passion and intensity, and any one of them could spring a surprise. However, based on recent form, the United States should feel confident that they can secure a positive result, though they’ll need to remain focused and prepared for a tough battle.
The Stakes of the Group Stage
For the United States, progressing through the group stage will be a significant achievement, especially given the strength of their opponents. England, with its elite roster, presents the most formidable challenge. Yet, as history shows, the U.S. is more than capable of frustrating England and stealing points, which could prove crucial in the race for progression.
Facing Ukraine, Scotland, or Wales also presents its own set of challenges. Each of these teams has the potential to upset a favored side, especially when playing on the grandest stage in football. While Ukraine, if they qualify, will likely be the toughest opponent of the three, neither Scotland nor Wales should be underestimated. Their blend of passion and physicality can often take more technically gifted teams by surprise.
The road to success for the USMNT will require discipline, tactical flexibility, and an ability to seize opportunities in key moments. Given the unpredictable nature of football and the pressure on some of the more heavily favored teams, this group presents a genuine opportunity for the United States to make a mark on the 2022 World Cup.
Looking Forward
As the group stage draws near, Team USA must draw inspiration from their past performances against England and remain confident in their ability to navigate a tricky group. History has shown that they are capable of standing toe-to-toe with some of the biggest names in world football, and this tournament will be no different.
The inclusion of Ukraine, Scotland, or Wales adds an element of unpredictability to the group, which could work in the USMNT’s favor. The key for the United States will be to focus on their game, stay organized defensively, and take their chances when they arise.
In conclusion, while England may enter the group as favorites, the USMNT has every reason to believe they can progress to the knockout stages. With a rich history of overcoming the odds and a squad full of young, hungry talent, this could be the year that the United States makes another deep run in the World Cup. All eyes will be on Qatar as this group promises excitement, drama, and, perhaps, another historic upset.
