World Cup 2022 LIVE: USMNT announce squad as France and Wales name players for Qatar

The 2022 World Cup is now less than two weeks away from starting and the confirmed squads are coming quickly now, with Wales and France among those to name theirs toda, and the US have now named their 26-man squad too.

Wales manager Rob Page has called up the experienced Gareth Bale and Joe Allen despite fitness concerns as he announced the country’s first World Cup squad in 64 years. Bale, Wales’s all-time top scorer with 40 goals in 108 internationals, admitted he was still not 100% despite his crucial late goal in Los Angeles FC’s MLS Cup final victory last weekend. He remains Wales’ talisman, however, and played a key role in leading them to the World Cup, scoring all three goals in their playoffs against Austria and Ukraine. Playmaker Allen, who has 72 caps, had been in fine form for Swansea City this season but has not played since 17 September after picking up a hamstring injury, with the club confirming he will not feature before the World Cup.

France have selected Arsenal defender William Saliba and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate in a squad packed with talent. Olivier Giroud has also been picked, with Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema set to lead the attacking threat. Manchester United’s Raphael Varane is included despite his recent injury.

Follow all the latest news and squad announcements from the 32 teams below, and get World Cup updates directly to your phone by joining our Telegram World Cup channel here.

World Cup news LIVE

• Wales confirm World Cup squad with Joe Allen included

• France announce 25-man provisional squad featuring Olivier Giroud

• Breaking: USA unveil squad for Qatar

BREAKING: USMNT announce World Cup squad

22:22 , Lawrence Ostlere

Here is your US squad for the World Cup:

Goalkeepers: Ethan Horvath (Luton, England), Sean Johnson (New York City), Matt Turner (Arsenal, England).

Defenders: Cameron Carter-Vickers (Glasgow Celtic, Scotland), Sergino Dest (AC Milan, Italy), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls), Shaq Moore (Nashville), Tim Ream (Fulham, England), Antonee Robinson (Fulham, England), Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach, Germany), DeAndre Yedlin (Miami), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville).

Midfielders: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds, England), Kellyn Acosta (Los Angeles), Tyler Adams (Leeds, England), Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo, Spain), Weston McKennie (Juventus, Italy), Yunus Musah (Valencia, Spain), Cristian Roldan (Seattle).

Forwards: Jesus Ferreira (Dallas), Jordan Morris (Seattle), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea, England), Gio Reyna (Borussia, Dortmund, Germany), Josh Sargent (Norwich, England), Tim Weah (Lille, France), Haji Wright (Antalyspor, Turkey).

Cameroon announce World Cup squad

22:11 , Lawrence Ostlere

Cameroon left out long-serving centre back Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui from their squad for the World Cup in a shock omission as coach Rigobert Song named his 26-man selection for Qatar on Wednesday.

The coach also surprisingly included two home-based players -- Souaibou Marou and Jerome Ngom -- who had won their first caps just hours before in a friendly against Jamaica.

The team will be captained by Vincent Aboubakar, who competed as a teenager at the 2010 World Cup and again in Brazil in 2014 when the Indomitable Lions last appeared at the finals.

It will also be a third World Cup for defender Nicolas Nkoulou, 32, and Bayern Munich attacker Eric-Maxime Choupo Moting, who is 33-years-old.

Nkoulou made a comeback to the team in September after a five-year absence, having retired from the side after they won the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ngadeu was also a member of that team but had remained a regular for Cameroon since. He was omitted for the last round of friendly matches two months ago and left out again for the trip to Qatar.

Song gave no explanation for the axing of the 31-year-old Belgian-based centre back at a hastily arranged news conference on Wednesday, where reporters were given short notice of the intention to name the squad.

Song also included teenage goalkeeper Simon Ngapandouetnbu, who is on the books of Olympique de Marseille but yet to play a senior match. He is the only uncapped player in the squad.

Cameroon will play in an eighth World Cup -- a record number of appearances for an African nation -- and take on Switzerland, Serbia and Brazil in Group G, with their first game on Nov. 24.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Devis Epassy (Abha Club), Simon Ngapandouetnbu (Olympique de Marseille), Andre Onana (Inter Milan)

Defenders: Jean-Charles Castelletto (Nantes), Enzo Ebosse (Udinese), Collins Fai (Al Tai), Olivier Mbaizo (Philadelphia Union), Nicolas Nkoulou (Aris Salonika), Tolo Nouhou (Seattle Sounders), Christopher Wooh (Stade Rennes)

Midfielders: Martin Hongla (Verona), Pierre Kunde (Olympiakos), Olivier Ntcham (Swansea City), Gael Ondoua (Hannover 96), Samuel Oum Gouet (Mechelen), Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Napoli)

Forwards: Vincent Aboubakar (Al Nassr), Christian Bassogog (Shanghai Shenhua), Eric-Maxime Choupo Moting (Bayern Munich), Souaibou Marou (Coton Sport), Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford), Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu (Young Boys Berne), Jerome Ngom (Colombe Dja), Georges-Kevin Nkoudou (Besiktas), Jean-Pierre Nsame (Young Boys Berne), Karl Toko Ekambi (Olympique Lyonnais)

USMNT to announce World Cup squad

21:41 , Lawrence Ostlere

Coach Gregg Berhalter has had plenty of decisions to make. His big announcement is being made from the Empire State Building, in stark contrast to the Welsh squad announcement from Tylorstown Welfare Hall.

Here is the squad the former US star DaMarcus Beasley picked for MLSSoccer.com.

Goalkeepers: Sean Johnson (NYCFC), Zack Steffen (Middlesbrough), Matt Turner (Arsenal).

Defenders: Reggie Cannon (Boavista), Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic), Sergino Dest (AC Milan), Erik Palmer-Brown (Troyes), Tim Ream (Fulham), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), DeAndre Yedlin (Inter Miami CF), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC).

Midfielders: Kellyn Acosta (LAFC), Tyler Adams (Leeds United), Luca de la Torre (Celta de Vigo), Yunus Musah (Valencia), Weston McKennie (Juventus), James Sands (Rangers), Malik Tillman (Rangers), Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Paul Arriola (FC Dallas), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund), Timothy Weah (Lille).

Forwards: Jesus Ferreira (FC Dallas), Ricardo Pepi (FC Groningen), Josh Sargent (Norwich City).

USMNT to announce World Cup squad

21:33 , Lawrence Ostlere

So next up: the US men’s national team.

France confirm World Cup squad

21:13 , Lawrence Ostlere

Olivier Giroud was named in France’s provisional squad for the Qatar World Cup as coach Didier Deschamps unveiled a 25-man group on Wednesday amid injury concerns for the defending champions.

The experienced striker, recalled in March after a nine-month hiatus following the team’s early Euro 2021 exit, has been in good form for AC Milan and France and is two goals shy of Thierry Henry’s all-time national scoring record of 51 goals.

“He knows where he stands. He knows what my position is. It’s better for the French team that he is with us,” said Deschamps, who will have to trim his squad to 23 by Monday.

Several players have been struggling with injuries, including Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, Paris St Germain centre back Presnel Kimpembe and Manchester United defender Raphael Varane.

“I know he (Benzema) will do everything to be at 100 percent in time,” said Deschamps.

With Paul Pogba and Ngolo Kante injured and ruled out of the tournament ahead of the squad announcement, Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot and Eduardo Camavinga were among the six midfielders named.

Up front, Kylian Mbappe was named along with Giroud, Benzema, Kingsley Coman, Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann and Christopher Nkunku.

In defence, Deschamps omitted the in-form Jonathan Clauss, an indication that he might opt for a four-man set-up at the back as the Olympique de Marseille player is a pure wing back, ideally suited for a 3-5-2 formation.

Deschamps surprisingly omitted Lucas Digne and Ferland Mendy, leaving the squad short of left backs, while AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan was left out because of a leg muscle injury.

France will be in Group D in Qatar with Australia, Denmark and Tunisia.

They start their campaign against Australia on Nov. 22 at the Al Janoub Stadium.

“I made a few players unhappy tonight and 25 are super happy, but I know that as soon as we meet up they will all want to be in the starting 11,” said Deschamps, who hopes France will be the first nation to retain the World Cup title since Brazil in 1962, despite a dismal Nations League campaign.

“I don’t care about bad statistics. We’re not in the best position but we know what we are capable of. However, let’s first go through the first round before setting any goals.”

France confirm World Cup squad

20:16 , Lawrence Ostlere

The story on France’s World Cup squad:

Manchester United’s Raphael Varane named in France World Cup squad

France confirm World Cup squad

20:03 , Lawrence Ostlere

AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan has been widely tipped as the successor to Hugo Lloris in the French goal but he has not been fit enough to make this World Cup, and so the third goalkeeper spot has been handed to the hugely experienced Steve Mandanda.

Real Madrid’s Ferland Mendy is one of many notable defenders to miss out, as well as Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana and several young talents shining in Ligue 1 right now who had been given international experience by Deschamps over the past 18 months, such as Monaco’s Benoit Badiashile.

The midfield picks itself due to a lack of options after injuries to mainstays N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba. If France are to defend their World Cup crown in Qatar, they are going to have to do with a new-look midfield most likely requiring Real Madrid’s young duo Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni to step up.

The forward unit has variety and balance with the pace of Kingsley Coman and Kylian Mbappe, the guile of Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele, the finishing of Christopher Nkunku and Karim Benzema, plus the physical presence and great experience of Olivier Giroud.

France confirm World Cup squad

19:49 , Lawrence Ostlere

France have selected Arsenal defender William Saliba and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate in a squad packed with talent. Olivier Giroud has also been picked, with Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema set to lead the attacking threat. Manchester United’s Raphael Varane is included despite his recent injury.

France confirm World Cup squad

19:45 , Lawrence Ostlere

Some Premier League congratulations:

France confirm World Cup squad!

19:38 , Lawrence Ostlere

France have now confirmed their squad! It is a 25-man ‘provisional’ list, which means there is still time to add one more player should Didier Deschamps decide to do so.

Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Steve Mandanda (Rennes), Alphonse Areola (West Ham).

Defenders: Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Raphael Varane (Manchester United), William Saliba (Arsenal), Presnel Kimpembe (PSG), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan), Lucas Hernandez (Bayern Munich).

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Youssouf Fofana (Monaco), Matteo Guendouzi (Marseille), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Jordan Veretout (Marseille).

Forwards: Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona), Kylian Mbappe (PSG), Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Olivier Giroud (AC Milan).

Wales squad in profile

19:26 , Lawrence Ostlere

Wales will be playing at their first World Cup since 1958 in Qatar. Here is a closer look at the players who made Robert Page’s 26-man squad:

Wales World Cup squad confirmed: A closer look at Rob Page’s 26 players in Qatar

‘Gareth Bale always delivers’, says Page

19:19 , Lawrence Ostlere

Asked about Gareth Bale’s fitness, Rob Page says: “I’m not really bothered. He’s come off the back of scoring a really important goal for LA. He’s back in the country. He’s fit. Every time he turns up for us, irrespective of how many minutes he’s played previously for his club, he’s always delivered, so I’ve got no worries whatsoever.”

Wales announce World Cup squad

19:11 , Lawrence Ostlere

Cardiff City’s Rubin Colwill, 20, will travel to his second major tournament – having earned his first call-up last year for Euro 2020 – despite an injury-hit season that has restricted him to only nine appearances in all competitions.

Forward Tyler Roberts, on loan at Queens Park Rangers, missed out after sustaining a calf injury and Rabbi Matondo was omitted having made only started five games since moving to Rangers.

Wales kick off their World Cup campaign against the United States on 21 November and also face Iran and England in Group B.

Wales announce World Cup squad

19:10 , Lawrence Ostlere

Wales manager Rob Page has called up the experienced Gareth Bale and Joe Allen despite fitness concerns as he announced the country’s first World Cup squad in 64 years on Wednesday.

Bale, Wales’s all-time top scorer with 40 goals in 108 internationals, admitted he was still not 100% despite his crucial late goal in Los Angeles FC’s MLS Cup final victory last weekend.

He remains Wales’ talisman, however, and played a key role in leading them to the World Cup, scoring all three goals in their playoffs against Austria and Ukraine.

Playmaker Allen, who has 72 caps, had been in fine form for Swansea City this season but has not played since Sept. 17 after picking up a hamstring injury, with the club confirming he will not feature before the World Cup.

Full squad

19:09 , Lawrence Ostlere

Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey (Nottingham Forest), Danny Ward (Leicester City), Adam Davies (Sheffield United)

Defenders: Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Tom Lockyer (Luton Town), Joe Rodon (Rennes, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Chris Mephan (Bournemouth), Ethan Ampadu (Spezia, on loan from Chelsea), Chris Gunter (Wimbledon), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest), Connor Roberts (Burnley)

Midfielders: Sorba Thomas (Huddersfield Town), Joe Allen (Swansea City), Matthew Smith (Milton Keynes Dons), Dylan Levitt (Dundee United), Harry Wilson (Fulham), Joe Morrell (Portsmouth), Jonny Williams (Swindon Town), Aaron Ramsey (Nice), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff City)

Forwards: Gareth Bale (Los Angeles FC), Kieffer Moore (Bournemouth), Mark Harris (Cardiff City), Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest), Dan James (Fulham, on loan from Leeds United)

Wales World Cup squad confirmed

19:08 , Lawrence Ostlere

Joe Allen is included in the squad despite his injury struggles. Mark Harris is selected among the forwards while Tom Lockyer and Ben Cabango are among the defenders.

Wales World Cup squad announcement

19:06 , Lawrence Ostlere

Here we go...!

Wales World Cup squad announcement

18:59 , Lawrence Ostlere

So the squad announcement is nearly upon is. Here is tonight’s venue: Tylorstown Welfare Hall, the hometown of manager Rob Page.

Wales World Cup squad announcement

18:44 , Lawrence Ostlere

And here’s our Group B guide:

England are the outright favourites to win group B but tend to underperform in games they should win, especially in major tournaments, though thankfully that hasn’t been the case since Gareth Southgate took over. Iran topped their qualifying group and put in a decent effort in 2018 but their squad is aging and could come undone against more youthful opposition. The United States want to impress after missing the tournament four years ago and have a solid record of making it out of World Cup groups. They don’t compare to Wales though who boast a 100% record of reaching the World Cup knockout stages – when they actually get to the tournament – and the Welsh will fear none of the other teams in Group B.

Everything you need to know about World Cup 2022 Group B

Wales World Cup squad announcement

18:36 , Lawrence Ostlere

Have a read of our Wales squad guide ahead of the tournement:

Wales World Cup 2022 squad guide, fixtures and ones to watch

Wales’ World Cup preview

18:18 , Lawrence Ostlere

Look out for the bucket hats and wait for ‘Yma o Hyd’ to stir the soul. Wales are back at the World Cup.

It may have taken 64 years – the longest gap for any nation between successive appearances in the finals – but Wales have rejoined FIFA’s party and plan to enjoy the ride in Qatar.

Wales out to make mark in Qatar after ending 64-year wait for World Cup chance

Wales World Cup squad announcement

18:10 , Lawrence Ostlere

There is an expectation that Joe Allen will be selected for this Wales squad despite still recovering from a hamstring injury. Here’s what former Wales international Danny Gabbidon said last month about Allen:

“There will be lots of Wales fans and players as well concerned because we all know how important Joe is to the team. He’s probably even more important than Gareth [Bale] and Aaron [Ramsey] because we’ve struggled in that midfield area over the last two or three years.

“Joe had a great partnership with Joe Ledley in that midfield, and his importance is even greater now since Ledders has gone. He is the glue in there with the defensive job he does and the experience that he has. You can see the difference in that midfield area when he’s not there, and it’s where games are won and lost.”

Wales World Cup squad announcement

17:58 , Lawrence Ostlere

Wales will consider changing its name to Cymru on the international stage after the World Cup.

Cymru – the Welsh name for Wales – is already used by the Football Association of Wales in its internal and external communications and by staff at the governing body’s headquarters in the Vale of Glamorgan.

The FAW plans to speak to various stakeholders in Welsh football about the merit of changing the country’s name in international competition, while the PA news agency can reveal informal discussions have already been held with Uefa on the subject.

Full story:

Wales consider changing name of national teams after World Cup

Wales World Cup squad announcement

17:48 , Lawrence Ostlere

Odds to win the World Cup (taken from Betfair)

150/1

Prediction

Wales may not have been very good at qualifying for major tournaments throughout their history but they are remarkably adept at getting out of the group once there. In fact, they boast a 100 per cent record – three tournaments reached, three appearances in the knockout stages – and Group B offers them a good chance of maintaining that streak, with USA and Iran in particular feeling very beatable. They have the quality to do so and although Netherlands – a team they have lost to all 10 times they’ve faced them – will likely be waiting in the last 16, advancing beyond the group will surely be seen as a successful tournament. Defeated in the last 16.

Wales World Cup squad announcement

17:36 , Lawrence Ostlere

Who are the Welsh players to watch at this World Cup?

Star – Gareth Bale: With respect to Ivor Allchurch, John Charles, Ian Rush, Ryan Giggs et al, Bale is quite simply Wales’s greatest-ever player. He’s their talisman who, even when his club career was falling apart at Real Madrid, still delivered on the international stage and is beloved by everyone associated with Welsh football. He has always shone brightest in the big moments, proven yet again when he scored twice against Austria and once against Ukraine to book Wales’ spot in Qatar, and there is no bigger moment than this.

Breakout talent – Neco Williams: Either Williams or Nottingham Forest teammate Brennan Johnson could have filled this spot but the marauding full-back edges it as his dazzling overlaps, pinpoint crossing and relentless energy look set to light up Qatar. The 21-year-old has shone in the early part of the Premier League season since joining newly promoted Forest from Liverpool. Often plays on the left, rather than his preferred right-hand side, for Wales due to the presence of Connor Roberts but is equally as impressive and creative on that flank.

Wales World Cup squad announcement

17:24 , Lawrence Ostlere

Here is a possible 26-man squad that Rob Page could go with, though there are plenty of alternatives around the fringes:

Goalkeepers: Adam Davies (Sheffield United), Wayne Hennessey (Nottingham Forest), Danny Ward (Leicester City)

Defenders: Ethan Ampadu (Spezia on loan from Chelsea), Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Chris Gunter (AFC Wimbledon), Tom Lockyer (Luton Town), Chris Mepham (Bournemouth), Chris Mepham (Bournemouth), Connor Roberts (Burnley), Joe Rodon (Rennes on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest).

Midfielders: Joe Allen (Swansea City), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff City), Dylan Levitt (Dundee United), Joe Morrell (Portsmouth), Aaron Ramsey (Nice), Sorba Thomas (Huddersfield Town), Jonny Williams (Swindon Town), Matt Smith (MK Dons).

Forwards: Gareth Bale (Los Angeles FC), Dan James (Leeds United), Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest), Rabbi Matondo (Rangers), Kieffer Moore (Bournemouth), Tyler Roberts (QPR on loan from Leeds United), Harry Wilson (Fulham).

Swansea defender Ben Cabango and his club teammate Oli Cooper could be in with a shout of making the cut too, while Cardiff forward Mark Harris offers industry as another option in attack.

Wales World Cup group fixtures (all times GMT)

17:12 , Lawrence Ostlere

Here are the dates and times for Wales fans to look out for. It could all come down to a blockbuster clash with England in the final group game, and the Welsh will hope to have at least four points on the board by the time that fixture comes around.

Monday 21 November: USA vs Wales – 19:00

Friday 25 November: Wales vs Iran – 10:00

Tuesday 29 November: Wales vs England – 19:00

Wales World Cup squad announcement

16:58 , Lawrence Ostlere

As the one, true world-class player in Rob Page’s side, captain and all-time top scorer Bale is still the talismanic fulcrum around which this team revolves but while other elements of the Euro 2016 crop remain – including the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen, Ben Davies and Jonny Williams – there is also a new generation ready to shine in Qatar. Ethan Ampadu, Neco Williams, Dan James and Brennan Johnson provide an exciting younger core and if Page can get the combination of youth and experience singing, more history could yet be in the offing.

Wales World Cup squad announcement

16:50 , Lawrence Ostlere

This is team used to making history, after all. A 58-year major tournament drought was ended with aplomb as they not only qualified for Euro 2016 but stunned the world to reach the semi-finals before making a second European Championship four years later and finally ending that World Cup qualification hoodoo with a 2-1 victory over Austria and a 1-0 win over Ukraine in the play-offs – Gareth Bale scoring all three of their goals.

Wales World Cup squad announcement

16:42 , Lawrence Ostlere

At Sweden ’58, Wales advanced past the group stage by beating Hungary 2-1 in a play-off, having finished level on points with the Magyars, before going down 1-0 to eventual winners Brazil in the quarter-finals as a 17-year-old Pele burst on to the world stage. In Qatar, there is no reason why the 2022 version of the Welsh side can’t match their predecessors and reach the knockouts as they try to navigate a group containing Iran, USA and fierce rivals England.

Wales World Cup squad announcement

16:34 , Lawrence Ostlere

Not since 1958 have Wales played at a World Cup. As comedian and Welsh football fanatic Elis James will tell you, that was so long ago it was before the invention of the duvet… But 64 years on, a new generation finally have the chance to replicate the exploits of John Charles, Ivor Allchurch, Cliff Jones and co.

Wales World Cup news live

16:30 , Karl Matchett

Robert Page will be doing the squad unveiling in his hometown of Tylorstown, with the announcement being shown live in Wales, naturally.

The head coach will be doing a Q&A with the audience as well, who have paid for tickets to enable proceeds to go towards repairing Welfare Hall after flood damage.

It’s a huge day for the nation, who hadn’t qualified since 1958 before this year.

Wales World Cup news live

16:24 , Karl Matchett

We are around three hours from knowing the Welsh squad to head to Qatar.

A few of the names, of course, we can pretty much guarantee are going to be there: Gareth Bale, Wayne Hennessey and Chris Gunter all have over a century of caps for the Dragons already and there’s more chance of Mark Hughes or Neville Southall getting a late call-up than any of them not being on the plane.

Not involved in the last squad in September, but who we would expect to be in this time, include Aaron Ramsey, Harry Wilson and Ben Davies.

World Cup news live

16:17 , Karl Matchett

There are five nations naming squads today - two are already done, with Wales and France around the same time and then USA naming their squad later today.

Switzerland and Croatia went early though, both confirming their 26-man squads who will head to Qatar.

Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic headline Dalic’s squad, with Yakin handing few surprises out other than naming four goalkeepers in the Swiss group.

Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic headline Croatia’s World Cup squad

Wales World Cup squad announcement

16:00 , Lawrence Ostlere

Follow all the latest news as Wales’ 26-man squad for the World Cup in Qatar is revealed by manager Rob Page.