USA vs Wales final score, result: Bale cancels out Weah goal as World Cup Group B match ends level

Kyle Bonn

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Simon Borg

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USA vs Wales final score, result: Bale cancels out Weah goal as World Cup Group B match ends level image

The United States and Wales were billed in one of the most important matches of the first round of group-stage play, but there is still plenty to play for as a 1-1 draw saw the points shared.

Tim Weah's first-half opener gave the United States a deserved lead at the break, but the halftime introduction of Kieffer Moore up front for Wales changed the game in their favor and pinned the United States back for long stretches of the second half.

Walker Zimmerman, one of the most rock-solid defenders for the United States through CONCACAF World Cup qualifying, brainlessly conceded a silly penalty 10 minutes from fulltime, one which Gareth Bale deposited in emphatic fashion to level the score and secure a point.

Overall, it's a fair result in a match that wasn't exactly pretty, but was entertaining throughout. The end of the game was chaotic as it descended into a track meet with players on both sides utterly exhausted. All in all, it's a fair result that leaves both sides with a great chance to qualify if they take care of business.

They both left it all out on the field in Qatar, as you'd expect in the World Cup.

MORE: England lead Group B after hitting Iran for six

USA vs Wales final score

  1H 2H Final
USA 1 0 1
Wales 0 1 1

Goals:
36th min — USA — Tim Weah
82nd min — WAL — Gareth Bale (pen)

USA vs. Wales starting lineups:

USA (4-3-3, right to left): 1-Turner (GK) — 2-Dest (Yedlin, 74'), 3-Zimmerman, 13-Ream, 5-Robinson — 8-McKennie (Aaronson, 66'), 4-Adams, 6-Musah (Acosta, 74') — 21-Weah (Morris 88'), 24-Sargent (Wright, 74'), 10-Pulisic.

Wales (3-5-2, right to left): 1-Hennessey (GK) — 5-Mepham, 6-Rodon, 4-B. Davies — 14-C. Roberts, 10-Ramsey, 8-Wilson (Thomas, 92'), 15-Ampadu (Morrell, 95'), 3-N. Williams (Johnson, 79') — 11-Bale, 10-James (Moore, 46'.

MORE: Watch every World Cup match live with fuboTV (U.S.-only free trial)

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USMNT vs Wales live updates, highlights from 2022 World Cup

Final: USA 1-1 Wales

An utterly chaotic finish comes to a close, as the points are shared. It's a fair result, as the U.S. cashed in on their great first half but fell apart as Wales pushed for an equalizer.

Bale's penalty shares the spoils, and the match finished in wild fashion as all players ended up exhausted towards the final whistle. USMNT fans are clamoring for Gio Reyna to have made an appearance in the match, but he does not show.

Overall, it's a fair result, and there's still plenty to play for in Group B.

90+7 min: The match has descended into absolute chaos. On one end, a cross from deep by DeAndre Yedlin forces a punch from Wayne Hennessey, and down the other Wales have an opportunity in the penalty area that's expertly cut out by a critical Tyler Adams step. Every stoppage, all the players put their hands on knees. Everyone is exhausted, and Pulisic is limping.

90+2 min: Ethan Ampadu is down and clearly injured. The official stops play for treatment. Players all over the field are cramping, it's a MESS out there. Harry Wilson is coming off with a limp, replaced by Sorba Thomas. Ampadu's then replaced by Joe Morrell.

90th min: Harry Wilson hauls down Brenden Aaronson in transition, but somehow manages to escape a yellow card. It's brainless from the referee, who has to give a caution there. Unfortunately, Wilson comes away worse for wear as he limps off.

NINE minutes of stoppage time shown on the board. Hold your breath, USA and Wales fans!

88th min: The game is devolving down the stretch as both sides play for a late winner. The ball is being lumped all over the field with both sides defending in last-ditch manner. It's a track meet.

Jordan Morris comes on for Tim Weah, which is a defensive substitution for Berhalter as Morris is the best defensive winger on the squad. It's a big moment for Morris, who has come back from two ACL tears to reach this moment.

80th min: PENALTY! WALES! Walker Zimmerman obliterates Gareth Bale from behind, and it's a clearly spot-kick. It's a moronic challenge, going in from behind while Bales had his back to goal. No need to make that challenge, and it gives away a big chance for Wales to equalize.

Watch in the USA:

The Wales talisman Bale steps up to take...

GOAL! WALES! The star takes his moment with aplomb! Turner guessed correctly, and maybe even got a hand to it, but it's an absolute howitzer from Bale, an unsavable laser.

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79th min: Wales make a substitution, with striker Brennan Johnson on for wing-back Neco Williams, a clearly attacking change from Rob Page. Williams is a frustrated figure as he goes off, muttering to himself and shaking his head.

73rd min: Chance, USA! Oh no, Brenden Aaronson! Excellent work by Christian Pulisic down the left, and he skirts his defender. Pulisic's cross is a cutback to the penalty spot, and Aaronson's late run is there to meet the delivery, but he completely whiffs on the header. Like, 100% missed the ball, swatting his head at nothing but air.

Yunus Musah goes down in midfield and looks exhausted, stretching out his right leg. Could be a move to get the substitutions on who have been waiting patiently on the sideline. The subs are able to come in.

68th min: The U.S. has a corner a man-up, as Kieffer Moore goes to the sideline after receiving treatment, but it's cleared. Pulisic mugged Gareth Bale during the play, but comes away limping, and Adams' ball back into the box is poor. The U.S. star has been kicked by Welsh defenders (mostly Mepham) all game.

Berhalter is readying more substitutes. Kellyn Acosta, DeAndre Yedlin, and Haji Wright are all ready to come in, with Dest, Musah, and Sargent likely to come out.

64th min: Chance! Wales! MATT TURNER WHAT A SAVE! On a set-piece, where Wales are extremely dangerous, the second chance produces a free header, but Turner is there to acrobatically tip it over the bar.

On the ensuing corner, Wales come close again as Turner's caught in no-man's land and Ream is shielded off, but it's headed over. A big double miss for Wales.

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Gregg Berhalter makes his first substitution, as Brenden Aaronson comes on for Weston McKennie, who was clearly not 90-minute match fit.

62nd min: With the U.S. pushing forward, Pulisic is taken down in the penalty area, and screams for a penalty. The referee, who's been poor in favor of both sides this match, points for a goal-kick. It certainly looked like a naughty challenge, but the replay shows that Connor Roberts did get a slight touch on the ball first. It's a great call from the official, which is fair to note.

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61st min: Wales rip two shots, both of which are blocked. It's going from impressive defending to worrying pressure for the United States. They need an outlet, or it feels like an equalizer is coming.

Adams cuts off a passing lane to earn possession back, and they recycle to relieve pressure. Gregg Berhalter is wildly gesturing for his team to get forward and push Wales back as they were in the first half.

58th min: The attacking impetus is now entirely with Wales, as the U.S. retreat into a low block. They're able to survive the pressure thanks to some great one-on-one defending, an aerial duel to clear a long throw, and a hilariously bad call by the official to give Wales a throw when they should have had a clear corner. The U.S. are on their heels, and need something to break the pressure. It might require a substitution.

54th min: It's great defending from Sergino Dest who, while on a yellow card, makes a pinpoint standing challenge to dispossess a Wales attack down the left flank, allowing a teammate to clear. The U.S. will need more of that through this second half to keep the European qualifiers out.

51st min: Tim Ream yanks back Gareth Bale on the counter and absorbs the fifth yellow card of the match overall and third for the U.S. It's a tactical foul, and Ream knows exactly what he's doing. The center-back will need to be careful the rest of this match and tournament not to see a second card and earn a suspension, although sometimes those are unavoidable.

50th min: Wales have had more attacking third pressure in five minutes with Moore on the field than the 45 without. A second successive corner for Wales is spilled by Turner but the whistle blows for a foul and pressure is relieved.

46th min: The second half is under way. Wales have made the substitute many speculated, as Kieffer Moore comes onto the field and slots into the striker position. Standing at 6'5" Moore will provide an outlet up front as they hope to hit on the counter. He replaces Dan James, so there's no formational change for Wales as they remain in a 3-5-2.

The U.S. earns a corner straight off the restart, but it's wasted again by Pulisic, who should not be taking set-pieces for the U.S. at this point.

HALF-TIME: USA 1-0 Wales

The United States were simply the better team in the first half, and they picked up a deserved lead via Tim Weah, the first son of a Ballon d'Or winner to play in a FIFA World Cup.

Wales are comfortable playing without the ball, but they were unable to generate counter-attack opportunities as the U.S. midfield dominated the first 45 minutes. It was ugly at times, but overall the U.S. will be pleased with how the first half progressed.

The four players on yellow cards will need to be careful in the second half not to put their teams in a difficult position.

45+3 min: Chris Mepham got away with the previous one, but not here as he takes down Pulisic and earns himself a caution. Four yellow cards in total for this game, two on either end.

Of note: two yellow cards in a World Cup trigger a one-match suspension. Sergino Dest, Weston McKennie, Gareth Bale, and Chris Mepham on notice.

43rd min: Wales now holding their longest stretch of possession of the entire half. Looking to build down the right with Dan James, but it hasn't come off yet. Longest bit of defending that the U.S. has had to do. Antonee Ronbinson concedes a corner as he gets in front of Aaron Ramsey.

40th min: Yellow card to Gareth Bale for a tackle in behind on Yunus Musah. First caution to a Wales player, third of this first half overall.

Watch in the USA:

36th min: GOAL! USA! There's the moment U.S. fans have been waiting for! Sargent's hold-up play springs Christian Pulisic straight down the Welsh throats. He sees the run of Tim Weah, who finishes with a toe-poke right in front of Neco Williams.

Tim Weah scores the first goal against Wales in the World Cup since Pele in 1958.

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33rd min: Pulisic is fouled as the U.S. just knock the ball around for a while. The U.S. squad is infuriated that Mepham isn't given a yellow card, for on replay what is a clear yellow-card foul. Just a shoulder barge straight into the U.S. star for no real reason. Pulisic gives the official an earful and then takes his leave.

The U.S. hasn't done much despite heaps of possession. This is going exactly as Wales want.

29th min: The frustration boils over in the figure of a long-distance shot from Sergino Dest that is rifles miles over the crossbar. Not the shot the U.S. will be looking for.

Moments later, however, Tim Weah's pressing wins an attacking-third throw after Hennessey's forced to boot it out of play. Great energy from the first son of a Ballon d'Or winner to ever play in the FIFA World Cup.

26th min: An already choppy game has devolved even more as both teams are making a host of mistakes in possession. Tyler Adams comes in awkwardly on a Wales midfielder and is whistled for a foul, but avoids being cautioned as it appeared he tripped on the challenge.

U.S. players, already frustrated with some refereeing decisions, are now turning their ire towards Wales players, who appear to be taking an extremely long time to take throw-ins. Could they really be time-wasting in the 26th minute?

22nd min: Wales really struggling in possession, as the U.S. close down their passing options. No outlet up front without the hold-up play of Kieffer Moore.

In possession, Pulisic creates a half-chance as he weaves through Wales defenders, and finds Antonee Robinson on the overlap. The show is closed down from a tight angle and is cleared, but it's another promising moment created by the Chelsea man.

19th min: U.S. players are getting extremely frustrated with the Qatari official Abdulrahman Ibrahim Al Jassim and his refereeing team. Aside from the yellow cards, they've contested multiple throw-in and corner/goal-kick decisions. Players showing clear frustration with the decision-making.

15th min: Gareth Bale just had his first touch of the match, but doesn't do much with it. Wales are fine conceding large amounts of possession. He's hardly been involved, but doesn't need a high volume to have an impact.

Harry Wilson is struggling in midfield for Wales, having gone to ground for a tackle. He's had knee injuries for much of the Premier League season, only just returning to the Fulham lineup a few weeks ago.

13th min: Now Weston McKennie picks up a yellow card. Again, definitely a foul, but for a yellow card this early, it's extremely soft. Very worrying for the United States not only in this match, but in terms of World Cup suspensions as well. Neco Williams is the one to win the foul again.

11th min: Sergino Dest gets an early yellow card for taking down Neco Williams on the touchline. It's a soft foul, as Williams went down and screamed at the top of his lungs, but for a caution this early, it's very harsh from the official.

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10th min: Chance! USA! The best attacking moment for either side in this match sees the U.S. come so close! First, a two-man break sees a near own-goal off the head of Joe Rodon goes right into the heart of goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey. Then on the follow-up play, Sargent goes inches wide with his header. Excellent attack!

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6th min: The U.S. has held the majority of possession so far, as expected, but has done little with it early on. They have a corner, and again it's Pulisic to take, and it's another poor delivery.

2nd min: Joe Rodon takes down Christian Pulisic in the attacking third, giving the U.S. a free-kick a good 30 yards out. A chippy start for both teams, it will be interesting to keep track of the foul count and disciplinary situation for both sides.

Pulisic takes the free-kick, and it's a horrible one, driven straight into the first man. Pulisic hasn't been good at set-pieces for years but continues to be on set-piece duty anyways.

1st min: Anthems are complete, and we're under way! The United States and Wales AT THE FIFA WORLD CUP! For the USMNT, it's the culmination of an agonizing eight year wait. For Wales, it's a thrilling moment as they end a World Cup drought 64 years long.

All 22 players on the field are playing in their first World Cup. The only player in either squad with prior World Cup experience is DeAndre Yedlin of the United States, who starts on the bench.

USA vs. Wales pre-match commentary & analysis

10 mins from kickoff: How are you feeling, fans? Excited? Nervous? Terrified? Screaming internally?

The players are sure to be locked in, but for those who just missed out on the roster, like Paul Arriola, they are probably feeling a lot of emotions. Paul Arriola was very open about the anguish he felt after getting the bad news from Gregg Berhalter, but he's now ready to support the U.S. team.

22 mins from kickoff: Tactically, these two teams profile very differently. The United States are built on a high press, while Wales are built on pace and counter-attacking.

The U.S. lineup suggests that Gregg Berhalter may be preparing to press less, with pressing experts Jesus Ferreira and Brenden Aaronson starting on the bench. The U.S. may look to hold possession and break Wales down rather than cause havoc with the press.

35 mins from kickoff: With just over a half-hour to go until the match begins, it's your final chance to get an inside look at how this match could play out from a betting perspective. I've got three picks for you, plus a ton of stats, analysis, odds, and more ahead of this Group B match.

Check out my USA vs. Wales betting preview here.

47 mins from kickoff: Yunus Musah becomes the first-ever teenager to start for the United States at the FIFA World Cup. The United States is the second-youngest team in the 2022 World Cup field behind only Ghana.

1 hr 5 mins from kickoff: Lineups are in and confirmed. For the United States, the two biggest notes are that Tim Ream partners Walker Zimmerman in defense, while Josh Sargent starts up front over Jesus Ferreira. Gio Reyna and Brenden Aaronson do not make the initial lineup, instead likely set to play a role off the bench.

For Wales, they've gone with a 3-5-2 over the expected 3-4-3, which will see Gareth Bale and Dan James partner in a speedy strike duo. Striker Kieffer Moore is sat in favor of an additional midfielder Harry Wilson. Full team news further below.

1 hr 17 mins from kickoff: Reports online indicate that it will be Josh Sargent for the United States in the attack, not Jesus Ferreira. Could suggest that the Untied States won't press as much as they would with Ferreira in the lineup.

1 hr 35 mins from kickoff: Issues with the ticketing app in Qatar have caused massive problems with all World Cup games, and this one is no different. Massive lines at the ticketing offices have caused huge delays for fans getting into stadiums. Hopefully these fans can get things sorted before kickoff so they don't miss any action!

1 hr 50 mins from kickoff: For new U.S. fans looking to learn about the team, here's a quick overview — from yours truly — running through the best players on the USMNT roster.

2 hrs 10 mins from kickoff: U.S. fans will be well aware of the biggest threat for Wales in this match — Gareth Bale. The LAFC winger struggled in MLS after joining in the summer, but scored maybe the most important goal of the season in the MLS Cup final. He's a menace, and there will be up to Gregg Berhalter to keep him hemmed in.

2 hrs 23 mins from kickoff: The U.S. will go with their white kit in this match, suggesting Wales are likely to with their red getup.

2 hrs 36 mins from kickoff: The U.S. women's team, four-time winners of the FIFA World Cup, has a message for the United States men before their opening match. Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, and others sport an impossibly tiny microphone to send their well wishes!

Seriously though, what's up with that microphone?

2 hrs 55 mins from kickoff: Mentality is always a big talking point ahead of the World Cup, with so many eyeballs and so much pressure on national teams. The feel of these matches is just much more intense, brought on by the enormous expectations. The U.S. has the second-youngest team in the World Cup field, behind only Ghana, and mentality will be a big part of their successes and failures.

3 hrs 8 mins from kickoff: There are a number of selection issues for Wales in this match. The biggest amongst them is in midfield, where Joe Allen has been ruled out due to injury.

3 hrs 34 mins from kickoff: The other game in Group B has gone final, with England winning a barn-burner 6-2 behind a brace from Bukayo Saka. It certainly puts pressure on the other teams to perform as there is, at this stage, likely only one group winner amongst these four teams.

3 hrs 57 mins from kickoff: The U.S. social team released a really exciting scene setter for fans to enjoy before the first World Cup match. Pressure? What pressure?

4 hrs 18 mins from kickoff: It can be hard to remember how truly large the time differences are. Qatar is three hours ahead of Wales, eight hours ahead of the USA east coast, and 11 hours ahead of the USA west coast. While some in the United States may just be waking up now, its already dark in Qatar! Kickoff of this match will be at 2pm ET, but 10pm local in Qatar!

4 hrs 39 mins from kickoff: England are battering Iran in the other Group B game this morning, with the score 3-0 at halftime. It's not a wildly unexpected result, but it's one that opens some eyes as to how the Three Lions could potentially run away with the group.

It makes today's match between these two teams even more important, as it solidifies just how likely there is to have just one qualification spot between the United States and Wales. 

4 hrs 45 mins from kickoff: USMNT fans will likely be nervous listening to how confident Gareth Bale sounds in his pregame press comments:

5 hrs from kickoff: "Let's shock them all," was the message from U.S. President Joe Biden to the team and it was captured on video.

MORE: Bale is one of many MLS players at the World Cup

USA vs Wales lineups, team news

USA lineup vs Wales World Cup 112122
Sporting News

U.S. manager Gregg Berhalter says that both right-back Sergino Dest and central midfielder Weston McKennie are ready to play, and they both start from the get-go.

Fitness concerns aside, there were three other lineup decisions Berhalter will be making.

At center-forward, Josh Sargent has been selected over previous starter Jesus Ferreira, supported by Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah on the wings. Both Brenden Aaronson and Gio Reyna will likely play a role off the bench in the second half.

Walker Zimmerman's parter in central defense is Fulham defender Tim Ream whose great club form forced his way not only onto the roster but into the starting lineup. Finally, in goal, Matt Turner is indeed fit to start in goal despite some injury concerns down the stretch of club play with Arsenal.

USA starting 11 (4-3-3, right to left): 1-Matt Turner (GK) — 18-Shaq Moore, 3-Walker Zimmerman, 15-Aaron Long, 5-Antonee Robinson — 8-Weston McKennie, 4-Tyler Adams, 6-Yunus Musah — 11-Brenden Aaronson, 24-Josh Sargent, 10-Christian Pulisic

Wales lineup vs USA World Cup 112122
Sporting News

Wales manager Rob Page has decided to go with a 3-5-2 over the expected 3-4-3, sitting towering striker Kieffer Moore for a transition attack based on pure speed. The intent is to set up Fulham's Daniel James partnering star Gareth Bale, who'll roam about the field instead of sticking to any one position.

Page had already indicated that midfielder Joe Allen won't be fit in time for the match against the USA. He hasn't played since mid-September due to a hamstring injury. In midfield, Harry Wilson is inserted as a creative midfielder, and he'll sit ahead of the more box-to-box duo Aaron Ramsey and Ethan Ampadu.

Wales starting 11 (3-5-2, right to left): 1-Wayne Hennessey (GK) — 5-Chris Mepham, 6-Joe Rodon, 4-Ben Davies — 14-Connor Roberts, 10-Aaron Ramsey, 8-Harry Wilson, 15-Ethan Ampadu, 3-Neco Williams — 11-Gareth Bale, 10-Daniel James

MORE: Why did Gareth Bale sign for LAFC?

USA vs Wales live stream, TV channel

It should be an intriguing match at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium as the USA will seek to pressure Wales, while Gareth Bale & Co. look to pounce on the break against a U.S. team that's undermanned in defense.

Here's how you can watch all the action in the major global territories.

MORE: A closer look at World Cup Group B

  Date Time TV Channel Streaming
USA Monday, Nov. 21 08:00 ET FOX, Telemundo fuboTV, Fox Sports app, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, Peacock 
Canada Monday, Nov. 21 08:00 EST CTV, TSN TSN app
UK Monday, Nov. 21 13:00 GMT ITV, STV, S4C ITVX, STV Player
Australia Tuesday, Nov. 22 00:00 AEDT SBS SBS On Demand
India Monday, Nov. 21 18:30 IST Sports18 Voot, JioTV
Hong Kong Tuesday, Nov. 22 21:00 HKT Now TV Now TV
Malaysia Tuesday, Nov. 22 21:00 MYT Astro Astro Go
Singapore Tuesday, Nov. 22 21:00 SGT

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 MeWatch, Singtel, StarHub
New Zealand Tuesday, Nov. 22 02:00 NZDT Sky Sport Sky Go

Watch the match on fuboTV in USA:

The Fox broadcast will be available to stream on fuboTV, which is available on a free trial for new users.

Kyle Bonn

Kyle Bonn Photo

Kyle Bonn, is a Syracuse University broadcast journalism graduate with over a decade of experience covering soccer globally. Kyle specializes in soccer tactics and betting, with a degree in data analytics. Kyle also does TV broadcasts for Wake Forest soccer, and has had previous stops with NBC Soccer and IMG College. When not covering the game, he has long enjoyed loyalty to the New York Giants, Yankees, and Fulham. Kyle enjoys playing racquetball and video games when not watching or covering sports.

Simon Borg

Simon Borg Photo

Simon Borg is a senior editor at The Sporting News who has covered football/soccer for over a decade. A supporter of Italian club Parma Calcio from his years growing up in Europe, he was previously a long-time member of Major League Soccer's digital media team, as a multimedia content producer, on-air personality, and Editor-in-Chief. Based in New York City, Borg is multilingual and has covered the domestic and global scene for TSN since 2021.