After missing out on the 2018 edition, the USMNT will hope to make amends this year in Qatar. However, things do not appear to be easy for Gregg Berhalter's side, who are in a group alongside the likes of England and Wales.

The Stars and Stripes also have not impressed in their pre-tournament friendlies, first losing 2-0 to Japan before firing blanks in a frustrating stalemate against Saudi Arabia. It is safe to say that it's not exactly the most encouraging reading for Team USA as they prepare to kick start their group stage campaign against Wales next week, and head coach Berhalter had some interesting words when asked his opinion regarding his team's upcoming opponents.

"I think that, at least to the American media, I think Wales is underrated," Berhalter noted recently.

"[To be honest], when I look at their squad, it's basically a Premier League squad...it's a really good squad, a formidable squad. They've been in international competition before, they know what it's like".

Wales are back in the World Cup for the first time in 64 years - since 1958 - but the Dragons did make a huge splash in their first EURO appearance back in 2016. Led by Gareth Bale, who scored four goals, they made it to the semi-finals before being beaten 2-0 by eventual tournament winners Portugal.

As such, it is understandable with stars like Bale, plus others like Joe Allen and Ben Davies, both of whom ply their trade in the Premier League, that Wales will be regarded as a tough competitor for the USMNT to overcome if they want to have a shot at qualifying for the round of 16.