World Cup 2022 Group B permutations: What do England, Wales, USA and Iran need to go through?

England USA World Cup 2022 Group B
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Group B is set up for a dramatic finale, with all four teams still vying for a spot in the last-16 of World Cup 2022

The first two matchdays have left things delicately poised, with three points separating group leaders England with bottom side Wales - the two face each off against each other, though, and the Welsh would love nothing more than to stick one over on their neighbours. 

Meanwhile, USA and Iran are set up for an intense encounter, and, with plenty of permutations to figure out within Group B, anything can still happen. Indeed, top-two sides England and Iran could be packing their bags early come the end of the night, but only time will tell.

Expect fireworks, chaos and a little bit of blood and thunder. 

Group B fixtures

Who needs what to reach the last 16?

1. England (4pts, GD+4)

Barring a disastrous 4-0 loss to Wales, England are through to the last-16 of the World Cup, thanks to a huge 6-2 win against Iran in their opening game and an important point against USA. 

A win would ensure they top the group, while a draw and a loss could still see them finish first - it just depends on if there is a winner in the other game and the scoreline against Wales. 

2. Iran (3pts, GD-2)

In order to qualify without worry, Iran will have to beat USA. A draw might be enough, but that will rely on Wales failing to beat England - something teams aren't too fond of doing. 

A loss against USA indefinitely spells the end of their tournament. 

3. USA (2pts, GD 0)

It's win or bust for USA against Iran. Draw or lose and they're out, making the fixture with the Asian side a winner-takes-all affair. 

USA still have the ability to top the group, too, should England lose to Wales in the other game. 

4. Wales (1pt, GD-2)

The task is simple for Wales: score four goals against England and progress to the knockouts. Easy enough, right?

Well, that's one way for Wales to guarantee their spot in the last-16, but a win under 4-0 could still be enough - all that relies on is Iran drawing with USA. 

Ryan Dabbs
Staff writer

Ryan is a staff writer for FourFourTwo, joining the team full-time in October 2022. He first joined Future in December 2020, working across FourFourTwo, Golf Monthly, Rugby World and Advnture's websites, before eventually earning himself a position with FourFourTwo permanently. After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Journalism and Communications, Ryan earned a NCTJ qualification to further develop as a writer while a Trainee News Writer at Future.