Updated U.S. Soccer World Cup Betting Odds After Draw with Wales

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Updated U.S. Soccer World Cup Betting Odds After Draw with Wales
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A dominating first half by the United States in its World Cup opener against Wales was overshadowed by a lack of execution and a reckless challenge in the box that led to a 1-1 draw Monday in Qatar. 

The U.S. dominated possession early on and had numerous close-scoring opportunities. But eventually, the Americans broke through with Christian Pulisic making a run down the midfield and finding Tim Weah for the finisher to give the U.S. a 1-0 lead in the 36th minute. 

Eventually, Wales created more scoring chances in the second half and took advantage of a sloppy U.S. group. The U.S.’ Walker Zimmerman made an ill-advised challenge on Gareth Bale in the box, resulting in a penalty kick. Bale fired the free kick during the 82nd minute to draw even.  

The U.S. earned a result taking one point in what was minutes away from a victory. Up next, the U.S. will face England on Friday at 2 p.m. ET.  

U.S. Betting Odds 

Monday was the first World Cup match for the U.S. in eight years after the group failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The U.S. entered as +15000 longshots to win the title at FanDuel and those odds remain the same after the Americans took one point in its match with Wales.  

Oddsmakers believe the rest of Group B is chasing England, who is set at –550 on FanDuel to win the group. FanDuel has the U.S. at +550 to finish atop Group B.  

Despite missing out on the opportunity to score three points, DraftKings still likes the U.S.’ chances of advancing from the group at –110. In its previous eight World Cups, the U.S. has advanced out of the group stage in four.   

England is favored to advance at -10000, while Wales is at +125 and Iran sits at +450. 

U.S. Odds for Next Matches 

Against England on Friday, the U.S. will enter as underdogs at +500 on the moneyline, while England is –180 to win with the draw at +310.  

The two countries have faced off in the World Cup just two other times, with the U.S. winning 1-0 in 1950 and the two squads coming to a 1-1 draw in 2010.  

In all international competitions, England holds a 2-1-8 advantage in the series. England dominated its first matchup against Iran, winning 6-2 on Monday.  

The U.S. will be –130 favorites for its final group match against Iran (+380) on Nov. 29 in a game the Americans will likely need all three points to advance depending on how the matchup with England plays out.