World Cup Group of Death 2022: Fixtures and Predictions for All Matchups

The 2022 FIFA World Cup features a well-balanced group stage that should create plenty of drama as countries battle for a spot in the Round of 16, but that makes it tricky to identify a "Group of Death."

Group E (Spain, Germany, Japan and Costa Rica) and Group G (Brazil, Switzerland, Serbia and Cameroon) each have a strong case as the toughest pools, but at least based on the average FIFA ranking of the national teams, Group B takes the top spot.

That's in large part because none of the sides in the pool—England, the United States, Wales and Iran—are a pushover. Every team has a legitimate chance to make at least a modest run in Qatar, with the Three Lions being a title contender if they survive the tricky group.

Let's check out predictions for each of the Group B fixtures and analyze how the teams that advance will do for the remainder of the World Cup.

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Match Predictions

Nov. 21: England 1, Iran 0

Nov. 21: United States 2, Wales 1

Nov. 25: Wales 0, Iran 0

Nov. 25: England 2, United States 0

Nov. 29: England 1, Wales 1

Nov. 29: United States 1, Iran 1

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Predicted Table and Outlook

• England: 7 points (2-1-0)
• United States: 4 points (1-1-1)
• Wales: 2 points (0-2-1)
• Iran: 2 points (0-2-1)

England heads to the World Cup on a six-match winless streak (0-3-3), which includes a 1-0 loss to Italy and a 3-3 draw with Germany during September's UEFA Nations League window, the final warm-up matches before Qatar.

It's far from ideal, and the skid led to questions about whether a last-ditch coaching switch from Gareth Southgate should be considered, but it doesn't change the reality that the Three Lions will feature one of the most talented rosters in the tournament.

A forward group led by the likes of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford has the potential to match up with any attacking group in the tournament, and England's defense stepped up in a major way last year in the Euros.

The opening match against Iran, a defensive-minded opponent capable of containing England's pace, is a perfect first test. It'll quickly show whether the side has turned the page after its recent struggles or whether they may carry over into the World Cup.

Outside expectations for the Three Lions may have faded over the past six months, but this is still a squad with the potential to reach the semifinals or beyond.

Meanwhile, assuming a return to form from England, the battle for the second qualification spot out of Group B figures to come down to the final matchday.

The United States faces a lot of pressure to resume the program's growth after the extreme disappointment of missing the 2018 World Cup. It was a major setback at the outset of what was supposed to become a golden era of American soccer.

While the USMNT features a solid attacking core, led by Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Timothy Weah and Giovanni Reyna, the single biggest question that will determine the side's fate is how the defense performs, particularly the central defenders.

Manager Gregg Berhalter has leaned heavily on the tandem of Aaron Long and Walker Zimmerman but the results, especially in terms of building attacks out of the back, have been mediocre at best.

If that issue can be solved, either by better play from Long and Zimmerman or involving other options like Tim Ream and Cameron Carter-Vickers, making it out of the group and possibly even reaching the quarterfinals is within reach.

One thing's for sure: the Group of Death is going to present a challenge for all four teams.