Wales face United States in their first World Cup match in 64 years on Monday, yet manager Rob Page insists his side are not in Qatar to merely make up the numbers.

Not since 1958, when eliminated in the quarter-finals by a 17-year-old Pele, have Wales made it to the showpiece tournament – the longest ever gap between participations.

The Dragons have reached the past two European Championships, however, making it all the way to the semi-finals in 2016 and to the first knockout stage last year.

Page wrote his name in Welsh folklore by guiding his nation to a second ever World Cup, after taking over from Ryan Giggs, and he is targeting another famous tournament run. 

"Managers are greedy," he said. "We are grateful that we have got to this stage. But you look at the group and you start to look at the teams individually. 

"There is no disrespect to the other teams, but we have to go into the group with huge confidence that we can get out of the group, and we do."

Wales, who beat Austria and Ukraine in the play-offs to book their place in Qatar, are ranked 19th in the world – three places behind USA.

England (5) and Iran (20) are also in Group B, which is arguably the toughest to call on the face of it as the only pool with four top-20 countries.

USA boast far more World Cup experience than Wales, with this their 11th finals, though their first in eight years after failing to qualify for Russia 2018.

Indeed, only Mexico (17) have appeared at more World Cup among CONCACAF nations, and USA have reached the knockouts in three of their past four involvements.

Head coach Gregg Berhalter made some surprising squad selections, with Ricardo Pepi and Zack Steffen among those left out, but he intends to stay true to his style of play.

"There's a difference between qualifying in CONCACAF and playing in the World Cup", he said. "It's important that we represent our identity as a team. 

"It's not time to change who we are. We're an aggressive team, a high pressing team. We want to use the ball and we're going to find out if we can be successful doing it."

Berhalter, who will become the first person to represent USA at the World Cup as both a player and manager, also vowed not to take Wales lightly at Al Rayyan Stadium.

"I think at least to the American media, Wales is underrated. When I look at their squad, it's basically a Premier League squad," he said.

"To me, it's a really good squad, a formidable squad. They've been in international competition before, they know what it's like."

Monday's match will mark the third ever meeting between the sides, with USA unbeaten so far thanks to one win and a draw, both in friendlies.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

USA - Giovanni Reyna

The USA have named the second-youngest squad of any side in Qatar, with an average age of 25 years and 215 days (as of the opening day of the tournament).

Borussia Dortmund attacker Reyna is one of those younger prospects looking to make an impact in his maiden World Cup as he looks to build on the four goals scored in his first 14 senior caps.

Reyna only turned 20 this month and could become the 14th player in USA's history to win 15 caps under the age of 21, a list that includes his father Claudio.

Wales - Gareth Bale

Nine of Wales' 13 goals at their past two major tournaments, Euro 2016 and 2020, have seen at least one of Bale or Aaron Ramsey either score or provide the assist.

Bale may have lacked playing time over the past year, but that made little difference when scoring all three of Wales' goals in their play-off wins over Austria and Ukraine.

The 33-year-old played a big part in Los Angeles FC's recent MLS Cup triumph and has declared himself fit enough to play a full part in each of the Dragons' matches in Qatar.

PREDICTION

There is very little between the sides in terms of FIFA rankings and that is reflected in Stats Perform's AI model.

USA, who have never registered a goalless draw in 33 World Cup matches, have a 39.5 per cent chance of taking all three points, compared to 31.2 per cent for Wales.

The prediction model produces a 29.3 per cent likelihood of a draw happening.

Enner Valencia scored twice as Ecuador spoiled the party by beating hosts Qatar 2-0 in the first game of the World Cup.

Valencia had an early goal contentiously ruled out for offside at Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday, but Qatar were unable to heed the warning.

The clinical captain become Ecuador's leading World Cup goalscorer with a tally of four by opening the scoring with a penalty and struck again with a bullet first-half header.

Qatar looked out of their depth in their first ever World Cup match, failing to register a shot on target as Ecuador made an encouraging start in Group A.

Valencia looked to have put La Tri in front with a header in the third minute after goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb flapped at a free-kick, but eyebrows were raised when Michael Estrada was deemed to be marginally offside following a VAR check.

The striker was not to be denied 13 minutes later, coolly sending Al Sheeb the wrong way from the spot after the shaky keeper brought him down.

Valencia capitalised on Qatar's defensive frailties again just after the half-hour mark, rising unmarked to meet Angelo Preciado's whipped cross from the right with a brilliant header that found the bottom-left corner.

Qatar had not posed a threat, but Almoez Ali somehow nodded wide from close range right on the stroke of half-time.

Valencia required treatment for a knee injury late in the first half but was able to continue and Ecuador continued to dominate after the break, Al Sheeb palming away Romario Ibarra's strike.

Qatar were devoid of ideas and Mohammed Muntari fired over when a rare chance came late on as Ecuador eased to victory, although there was concern when Valencia was withdrawn with 15 minutes to go seemingly still being troubled by that knee problem.

Virgil van Dijk was saddened to hear his former Liverpool team-mate Sadio Mane would miss the World Cup, but he hopes the Netherlands will profit from the Senegal star's absence on Monday. 

Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal suffered a huge blow on Thursday, when it was confirmed Mane would not recover from a fibula injury in time to feature at the tournament.

Mane has been directly involved in 12 of the last 25 goals scored by Senegal players at either the Africa Cup of Nations or the World Cup, leading coach Aliou Cisse to concede the Lions of Teranga would have to cope without their best player in Qatar.

Although Van Dijk acknowledges Mane's woes could benefit the Netherlands in Monday's Group A meeting, he has been in touch with the Bayern Munich attacker and pities his misfortune.

"I called him the next day. I wanted to know how he was, first and foremost, because there were so many rumours that he was out for a while," Van Dijk said of his reaction to Mane's injury.

"As a friend, I wanted to know how he was. Unfortunately, at the time, he'd already not had the best of news, but there was a little bit of hope, everyone thought.

"Unfortunately, he won't be able to make this tournament and I feel sad for him. I know how hard he worked for this. He wants to be important for Senegal and he has been important for them, in the last couple of years especially.

"It's tough. Obviously he's going to be a big miss for them, and hopefully we can benefit from that a little bit as well."

Although the Netherlands failed to qualify for the 2018 tournament in Russia, they have won 11 of their last 14 World Cup matches (D2 L1), with their only loss during that run coming in 2010's final against Spain.

Uruguay goalkeeper Sergio Rochet insists he has no fear about facing South Korea's masked warrior Son Heung-min at the World Cup.

Rochet is set to come face to face with the Tottenham striker when Uruguay begin their Qatar 2022 campaign on Thursday.

Son was the joint Golden Boot winner in the English Premier League last season, matching Mohamed Salah's haul of 23 goals.

A fractured eye socket injury came as a jolt to 30-year-old Son ahead of the World Cup, but he was fit enough to be selected by coach Paulo Bento.

Now, Son is set to lead the South Korea attack, almost certainly in the face mask he has been wearing in training, with his world-class ability set to pose a threat to Uruguay's rearguard.

Rochet said: "You are prepared for everything, not only for Son. We know that the best players are in the national teams. He has shown that he is at a very high level and one has been looking at him for a long time, studying him, respecting him, but trusting in what one does.

"One thinks that he is going to play. He does not worry me anymore. If he is not there, another one will enter in his place and he will be good, too."

Uruguay must also face Portugal and Ghana in Group H, with Rochet facing a challenge of keeping out the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Inaki Williams.

Much has been made of Uruguay's attacking strengths, with the likes of Darwin Nunez and veterans Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani in their ranks.

Rochet, however, says the defence is also of a high calibre as the two-time champions plot a deep run, saying: "We are all at a very good level, and whoever has to play will do so in the best way."

Harry Kane wants to break Wayne Rooney's England record as quickly as possible at the World Cup, though will not panic if he has to wait.

England start their campaign in Qatar against Iran on Monday, with Kane sitting on 51 goals for the Three Lions.

The Tottenham forward trails Rooney by just two, and having won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup, Kane looks well-placed to become the record holder.

With England favourites to progress from Group B, which also includes the United States and Wales, Kane hopes to break the record swiftly, yet it is far from his priority.

"Hopefully as soon as possible, for sure, but again I spoke before the tournament, I know it's there, I know people talk about it, but I like to focus on my game, do the best for the team," Kane said in a press conference on Saturday.

"I know the team we have can create chances and I need to be ready for ones that come my way.

"Obviously, I was lucky enough to play with Wayne for England many times, he was a huge player, I looked up to him growing up, watched him in major tournaments.

"To be close to him is a real honour and hopefully I can do it as soon as possible. But if it's not the case, it's not something I'm going to panic about, I just focus game by game."

Three of Kane's six goals in Russia came from the penalty spot, while only one of his strikes was scored in the knockout stages.

Kane also took time to get going at Euro 2020, failing to score in the group stage, though he then netted four times in three knockout matches.

He has been in stellar form for Spurs this season, with only Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland scoring more goals of players in Europe's top five leagues. The 29-year-old, however, has sole focus on England's fortunes.

"It'd be a great thing to achieve, I was able to in 2018 and it helped the team reach the semi-finals," Kane said of winning the Golden Boot. "I know if I win it this year then hopefully it means we're doing well and going pretty far.

"As a striker I'll be judged on goals, I know how that works, but most importantly it's about giving my best for the team whether that’s scoring, assisting, defending. I'm ready to do what's necessary to win.

"In terms of players, we are playing against the best in the world. [Cristiano] Ronaldo, [Lionel] Messi, Neymar, the list goes on. We'll have to wait and see.

"I try not to think about stuff like the Golden Boot, most important thing is trying to win the World Cup, that's what our focus is on. It's a difficult road ahead but we're focused on that."

Gareth Southgate confirmed England will take a knee before their World Cup opener against Iran on Monday in a show of solidarity against discrimination.

Premier League teams had adopted the gesture on a regular basis following the death of George Floyd in the United States back in 2020.

It was scrapped as a regular feature ahead of this season, with the Premier League instead announcing the gesture would be reserved for special occasions.

All Premier League games between October 8 and 16 saw players take the knee as part of the 'No Room for Racism' campaign, and it was also confirmed games on Boxing Day, the last weekend of the season and the finals of the FA Cup and EFL Cup will also see its return.

It had been reported that England players were discussing whether to kneel during the World Cup and Southgate confirmed the squad came to an agreement.

"We have discussed taking the knee, we feel we should," Southgate told reporters on Sunday.

"It's what we stand for as a team and have done for a long period of time.

"We understand in the Premier League, teams decided to only do it for the big games, the big occasions.

"We feel this is the biggest.

"We think it's a strong statement that will go around the world to young people in particular to show inclusivity is important."

On a similar note, Southgate and England captain Harry Kane also reiterated their commitment to the latter wearing the OneLove armband throughout the tournament.

England were one of eight teams to pledge their support to the initiative designed to promote inclusion ahead of the tournament in Qatar, where same-sex relationships are illegal.

FIFA launched its own "social campaign" and is urging captains to wear armbands provided by the governing body that promote its own slogans.

Additionally, regulations suggest the wearing of equipment not endorsed by FIFA are outlawed, giving rise to reports Kane could receive an immediate yellow card for donning the armband.

But England plan to stand by their decision.

"I think we made clear as a team, as a staff and organisation that we want to wear the armband," Kane said.

"I know the FA [Football Association] is talking to FIFA at the moment and I'm sure by game time they'll have their decision, but we made clear we want to wear it."

Southgate continued: "There's nothing more I can add to what Harry's said. I know there are conversations going on.

"A number or European countries have spoken and we made our position clear, and hopefully everything will be resolved before the game."

However, there are no plans to make a gesture in support of women in Iran.

The death of 22-year-old woman Mahsa Amini – who was arrested for not wearing a hijab properly – in police custody in September sparked mass protests across the country, and it is a backdrop that has dominated Iran's build-up to the World Cup.

Iran showed solidarity with the protestors – 15,000 of whom have reportedly been arrested by the regime – in September when covering up their national symbols before a friendly against Senegal, but Southgate said England are not planning to make any gestures of their own.

"I don't feel informed enough to comment on what's going on in Iran, it's not my place either," he added. "I understand for Iranian players and the manager, they're in a difficult position but they're better informed.

"If we were asked by their team to support in some way, we would have to consider that, but at the moment it hasn't happened.

"We're all focused on the football now. This has been a complicated build-up in terms of many issues, but now our country expects us to focus on preparing the team as well as we can. I don't think people should expect that to be any different for us."

Axel Witsel wants Belgium to emulate the success in Russia four years ago as the Red Devils aim for World Cup glory in what could be the last tournament for their 'Golden Generation'.

A team boasting the likes of Thibaut Courtois, Toby Alderweireld, Witsel, Kevin de Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku has been present for the past decade, significantly improving their fortunes.

Belgium reached the quarter-finals at Brazil 2014 and finished third four years later in Russia – a marked improvement after only passing the last-16 stage once in their first nine appearances (fourth in 1986).

Roberto Martinez's side lost to eventual champions France in Russia and Witsel hopes to recreate the 2018 showing, as the tournament in Qatar presents the last chance for many of their experienced squad.

"I would say we have even more experience than in 2018. Now time will tell if we are stronger or weaker than in 2018," the 33-year-old said.

"It's true that in 2018, we had an extraordinary run. We were all really, collectively, and individually, on top. And that's what we want to reproduce here. After that, as I said, it's a different World Cup from the others.

"The small advantage is that some of us have known each other for ten years, others a little less. But we've been together for a long time.

"When you don't really have time to prepare for a World Cup, I think that's a point that shouldn't be overlooked."

While Belgium are seen as a side that can cause problems for any opponent in the Middle East, Martinez's team are not ranked among the favourites and Witsel backed Brazil to go all the way.

"In any case, I think it is logical. For me, the great favourite of this tournament is Brazil. But that's my opinion," he added,

"I think, when you look at the team they have, you can't say that we are at that level. For me, Brazil is the big favourite."

Belgium begin their campaign in Group F against Canada on Wednesday before facing Morocco and Croatia.

Eduardo Camavinga backed Kylian Mbappe to deal with the added pressure after Karim Benzema was ruled out of the World Cup for France.

Didier Deschamps' side start their title defence in Qatar against Australia in Tuesday's Group D clash, but Les Bleus will do so without two key attacking figures.

Christopher Nkunku tore the lateral collateral ligament in his left knee after Tuesday's collision with Camavinga in training, before a thigh issue on Saturday for Benzema ruled the talisman out of the tournament.

France, who were already without Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante, still have a plethora of attacking options with Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud and Ousmane Dembele the likely starting contenders.

Real Madrid midfielder Camavinga believes Mbappe will step up in the absence of Benzema, given the 23-year-old is already used to dealing with pressure for both France and Paris Saint-Germain.

"Kylian can do it. He is used to having everything on his back. He's used to receiving this pressure," Camavinga said. 

"I'm not worried about him. On a day-to-day basis, he seems at ease, and calm."

The attacking burden may fall upon the shoulders of Mbappe, who has scored the most goals (43) in Europe's top five leagues in 2022), but Camavinga does not expect France to lower their expectations.

"No, not necessarily, we also have a lot of big players in the squad. There are other leaders in the squad too," he added. "We're not going to lower our objectives. Of course, it's a hard blow.

"But we're not going to rest on that. We're going to continue to fight with the big squad that we have."

France centre-back Ibrahima Konate echoed team-mate Camavinga's sentiment as he urged Les Bleus to battle through injury issues in the Middle East.

"It hurts us. It's a hard blow for the French team but our objective doesn't change, it's always the same," the Liverpool defender said. 

"That's part of football. We have to deal with it and move on, not look back. We have a match coming up very quickly. If we start looking at these things, it could be complicated."

Mohamed Salah is rightly jealous of former Liverpool team-mate Dejan Lovren appearing at the World Cup, according to the Croatia defender.

Lovren is set to feature in the finals for Croatia and the centre-back knows he cannot come up against ex-Reds colleague Salah, who failed to qualify with Egypt.

A missed penalty from Salah in a shoot-out against Senegal in March proved costly as the Pharaohs missed out on a place in Qatar.

Asked on Sunday whether Salah would be jealous of him making it to the tournament, Lovren said: "One hundred percent! I would be jealous too.

"He said he would support me but, to be honest, I'm sad he didn't qualify. He was very close. He said he would come... with the Croatian flag!"

Croatia start their campaign against Morocco on Wednesday.

Salah helped Egypt beat Morocco during the Africa Cup of Nations in January, scoring in a 2-1 quarter-final victory, and he might have been able to give some useful pointers for Lovren.

"Did he give me a tip for Morocco? I didn't ask him, maybe it's too late now," Lovren said.

Lovren helped Croatia finish as runners-up at the 2018 World Cup, playing in the final against France, and he is adamant going one better is not out of the question this time.

In fact, Lovren is taking inspiration from how Liverpool rebounded from losing the 2018 Champions League final to Real Madrid, returning to the showpiece match a year later and beating Tottenham to take the trophy.

"We have everything we need, we just need to show it on the field," Lovren said. "I like this combination of seasoned veterans and young lions. A lot of things need to come together, everyone needs to be in their best shape.

"My personal thought, when I came to Qatar, was that I wanted to win the cup. When you have faith in yourself and in the team, anything is possible."

Lovren, now 33, plays for Russian club Zenit.

He is in the twilight of his international career and added: "If we were so close four years ago, why can't we do it again?

"That's what I said after the Champions League final when we lost to Real in 2018, so we became European champions a year later. Everything is possible in football, you just have to believe."

South Korean pop sensation Jungkook highlighted a glittering opening ceremony as the Qatar 2022 World Cup finally got under way on Sunday.

Twelve years after FIFA took the controversial decision to award the tiny Gulf nation its showpiece event, what many seemed unthinkable finally came to fruition in front of the watching FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The ceremony, that preceded the opening game between the hosts and Ecuador, was the customary mix of local and global artists showcasing the best of Qatar, all narrated by the comforting voice of American actor Morgan Freeman.

It opened with a montage of Qatar by land and sea before Freeman and local celebrity Ghanim Al Muftah performed 'To Know One Another' alongside some camels.

A dance featuring local volunteers and professional artists came next before the tournament mascot La'eeb was introduced alongside his predecessors from previous tournaments.

Jungkook, of South Korean boy band BTS, performed the official single of Qatar 2022, called Dreamers, with typical gusto next to with local singer Fahad Al Kubaisi and the ceremony concluded with an address from Sheikh Tamim.

Jung Kook delivers at the #Qatar2022 opening ceremony! #Dreamers2022 | @bts_bighit

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 20, 2022

Iran coach Carlos Queiroz is not expecting any tips from his former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson on how to beat an England team he rates as a genuine World Cup contender.

Queiroz enjoyed two spells as Ferguson's assistant at United between 2002 and 2008, aiding the Scotsman as the Red Devils won six trophies over that period, including the 2007-08 Champions League and three Premier League crowns.

Although Queiroz resumed his own managerial career in 2008 as he took over the Portuguese national team for two years, he and Ferguson have remained friends.

On Monday, Queiroz's Iran side will go up against England in their Group B opener, and the former Real Madrid head coach will be taking full credit if he can mastermind a surprise win, with Ferguson seemingly not offering up any tips on how to beat the Three Lions.

"I confess I didn't receive any help from Scotland," Queiroz said with a chuckle on Sunday.

"Of course, we talk frequently as friends, but you can relax, Scotland this time is not supporting anything against England."

Queiroz seemed particularly familiar with Gareth Southgate's side and spoke with great admiration about them.

He reflected on his time working with United in England and championed the attitude and spirit of English players, though Queiroz believes the generation of 2022 is the best since the 1966 vintage, when the Three Lions last won the World Cup.

"I worked with English players, I met them. They're really brilliant, great and fantastic attitude all the time," he said. "They love to play the game with rhythm and intensity, which is part of the culture of English football.

"We know the English culture isn't like Spanish or Portugal, obsessed by ball possession, but then we know in a country like England, teams like Leicester City are able to win a championship with more opportunities without so much of the ball possession, like Manchester City and the other clubs. Football is this magic.

"The English players have my heart because they are a great example, they are always ready to play, always training with intensity. The way they play the game with a direct mind to put the ball in the net with full intensity, it's amazing.

"If I choose one kind of players to go to war, for sure I would not ignore the mentality and attitude of English players. This new generation Southgate is bringing in the national team, in my opinion I'd say it's the most talented…most competitive English national team since 1966, which I had the opportunity to see.

"This team is very functional, very practical, realistic. I worked with the generation of Rio [Ferdinand], not in the national team, and [Paul] Scholes, David Beckham, fantastic players all those guys, but this national team is really different because they have a realistic approach to every game, which makes them very dangerous.

"What can I say about England that people don't already know. They're one of the top national teams. Taking into consideration the last result and work they're doing, they're serious candidates to be in the final, one of the medal positions, even a candidate to be world champions."

Aliou Cisse vowed Senegal "will leave our mark" at the World Cup as they look to extend their perfect opening-game record at the tournament when they face the Netherlands.

The reigning African champions have won their previous two openers – a shock 1-0 win over France in 2002 and a 2-1 victory against Poland in 2018.

Senegal reached the quarter-finals 20 years ago, but they were eliminated in the group stage in the most recent edition and Cisse is hoping for a different outcome this time.

"The aim is to get out of this group. Once we get out of this group, we know that it will be a knockout tournament," he told reporters. 

"We will leave our mark. People are already looking ahead to the last 16, the quarter-finals, but we will be taking it a game at a time.

"We're not getting carried away. It's up to us to fully prepare ourselves and to do so wisely. We were knocked out of the last World Cup after just three games."

Senegal defeated Egypt in February to win their first Africa Cup of Nations title, before beating the same side the following month in a World Cup qualifying play-off.

Cisse's side are ranked 18th in the world – 10 places behind the Netherlands – and are without star man Sadio Mane in Qatar due to injury.

Senegal may have a perfect opening-game record, but the Netherlands are unbeaten in their past eight curtain-raising matches, winning six of those.

Oranje are back on the world stage after failing to qualify for Russia 2018, with veteran boss Louis van Gaal now in his third spell in charge.

Van Gaal, who will step aside at the end of the tournament, admits his side will need more than just talent to go all the way in Qatar and lift the trophy for the first time.

"I don't believe we have the best players on earth in our team," he said. "But I believe in team building and in tactics. I believe we can go far.

"But we also need luck – that is also important. Because of that and because I believe in imagination, we could be the world champion at the end of the tournament."

Monday's Group A contest at Al Thumama Stadium will mark the first time Senegal and three-time World Cup runners-up Netherlands have met.

Oranje are unbeaten in four matches against African opposition in the finals, while Senegal have won two and drawn one against European sides in the group stage.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Senegal - Boulaye Dia

Losing Mane to injury just before the tournament was a cruel blow for Senegal, the forward having been directly involved in 12 of their past 25 goals in major tournaments.

It will now be down to others to step up and fill the void, such as Salernitana forward Boulaye Dia, who has been in good form at club level this campaign.

Dia has six goals in 14 Serie A matches – a tally only five others can better – and has been directly involved in eight overall for mid-table Salernitana.

Netherlands - Steven Bergwijn

Memphis Depay was the Netherlands' star man on the road to Qatar with 12 goals and six assists – those 18 direct goal involvements the most of any player in UEFA qualifying – but he has been ruled out of the Senegal match.

Van Gaal has a number of other options in attack, however, with Bergwijn one of them.

The Ajax winger has eight goals and three assists in 14 Eredivisie matches this campaign, and  six goals in his past nine appearances for his country, making him one Van Gaal can rely on.

PREDICTION

The Netherlands have won 11 of their past 14 matches at the World Cup, penalty shoot-outs excluded, with their most recent group-stage loss coming in 1994 against Belgium.

Senegal are tricky first opponents for Oranje, but Stats Perform's AI model has given the Netherlands a 59.2 per cent chance of taking all three points in Al Thumama.

The prediction model gives Senegal a 17 per cent chance of victory, while a draw is rated at 23.8 per cent.

Wales captain Gareth Bale is right where he wants to be ahead of leading his country into their second ever World Cup campaign.

Rob Page's team face the United States on Monday in what is Wales' first World Cup match since a quarter-final loss to Brazil in 1958.

Brazil great Pele scored his first goal for the Selecao in that match, becoming the competition's youngest goalscorer (17 years and 239 days) – a record that stands heading into the 2022 edition of the tournament.

Bale comes into the World Cup on the back of coming off the bench to net Los Angeles FC's extra-time equaliser in the MLS Cup, which finished 3-3 against the Philadelphia Union, with LAFC winning on penalties.

After that match in October, the former Real Madrid forward revealed he was still not at 100 per cent fitness, though at a press conference in Doha on Sunday, Bale put any concerns over his condition to bed.

"I'm right where I want to be, I'm here," he said. "It's the night before the first game and I'm ready to go.

"We've all been training hard the last week, adapting to the heat, the time zones and we have no excuses now – we've put all the hard work in and now it's game time.

"Hopefully we can step up and deliver what needs to be delivered."

Bale is Wales' record goalscorer in major international tournaments, having played a big part in his side's run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 and the last 16 of Euro 2020, when he captained the team.

"It's an incredible feeling, one as a kid you dream of, but to actually be in the team that achieves it is an honour to do it for our country," Bale said of playing at a World Cup.

"It's going to be a fun time for us, one we want to enjoy and have fun like we always do as a national team.

"We're in our own little bubble here, but we get sent links and videos in our WhatsApp group of what's going on back home.

"We can see the tensions building. They're wearing their bucket hats more and the shirts are out. We can feel the love and we're going to try to do them proud. We're doing it for our country.

"Every World Cup [I've seen], there's never been a Wales flag. For the youngsters now, to have Wales in the World Cup will be an incredible experience to have."

Bale's sentiment was echoed by manage Page, who said: "I've spent the last week with them. They're ready, absolutely ready, I won't need to fire them up.

"We've got a gameplan, we've done a lot of analysis. They've waited a long time for it. It's been a difficult process to get here, with the emotions we had to manage in the Ukraine [play-off] game.

"I thought the lads showed true class on that day as well, showed they can manage emotions – it'll be no different."

Page also confirmed influential midfielder Joe Allen, a major fitness doubt ahead of the tournament, will play no part against the USA after failing to fully recover from a hamstring injury.

Antonio Rudiger has warned against overlooking Germany's chances of emerging victorious at the World Cup in Qatar, declaring: "You can never count us out".

Having won the 2014 World Cup, Germany mounted a dismal defence of the trophy four years ago as they crashed out in the group stages in Russia following defeats against Mexico and South Korea.

Germany also suffered a last-16 elimination against England at Euro 2020 – Joachim Low's final match before being replaced by Hansi Flick – leading many onlookers to favour the likes of Brazil, Argentina and France for glory in Qatar.

While Rudiger acknowledges Germany's recent form means Flick's men may not favourites for the tournament, he believes they have the talent to spring a surprise. 

"Honestly, if we speak about favourites, we have to speak about form. Before the last international break, you look at teams like Brazil and France," Rudiger told The Guardian.

"I think because of our current form, us maybe not so much, but we are a big nation and have a good team. You can never count us out. Anything can happen.

"We don't need to be afraid of anyone. It's football. If you're really tight together it can be very helpful. We have to get the job done. 

"We have played many great games. Now it's the big stage. I'm not worried. We have a fantastic group."

Germany's last competitive fixture saw them throw away a 2-0 lead in a thrilling 3-3 Nations League draw with England, and Rudiger says Die Mannschaft must improve defensively in Qatar.

"I watched that game from home," Rudiger said, recalling September's high-scoring draw at Wembley. "I think both teams were not at their best. We need to improve. 

"We need to manage the game better. If you're winning 2-0, you cannot give it away in four minutes."

Asked whether a lack of experience in Flick's squad contributed to that result, Rudiger added: "Maybe a little bit. But the goals we conceded were a little bit too easy. 

"This has nothing to do with experience – it's just a lack of focus. We are not robots. 

"We all make mistakes, but you try to avoid those easy ones where you lack concentration. That's the pressure that comes with this high level. You cannot have this lack of focus."

Germany begin their Group E campaign against Japan at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on Wednesday.

United States coach Gregg Berhalter stressed his team are not in Qatar to focus on off-field matters, though he indicated he does not agree with the views of FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

The Qatar World Cup has been surrounded by controversy, and an hour-long monologue from Infantino at a press conference on Saturday caused further contention.

Infantino used the media gathering to accuse the Western world of hypocrisy, insisting engagement rather than ridicule was needed in order to promote change in Qatar, which has a dubious human rights record.

The FIFA president began his speech with: "Today, I feel Qatari. Today, I feel Arab. Today, I feel African. Today, I feel gay. Today, I feel disabled. Today, I feel [like] a migrant worker."

Amnesty International subsequently criticised Infantino's comments, which also drew an incredulous reaction from sections of the media in Doha and around the world.

Berhalter backed Infantino's right to express his views, but ahead of his side's opening match against Wales, suggested they are not shared by the USA's squad.

"He's the president of FIFA and expresses his opinions as he sees fit," Berhalter said in a press conference on Sunday.

"We're here to play soccer, we're here to represent the United States and we don't necessarily represent the views of Infantino.

"That's the way it goes. He has the right to express that and we have the right to our opinions."

Wales are among several teams who will defy FIFA during the tournament.

Infantino insisted on Saturday that he had assurances "everyone was welcome", but Gareth Bale will wear a OneLove armband in support of diversity and inclusion, with homosexuality illegal in Qatar.

Asked if the USA would be looking to highlight the issues surrounding the tournament and the host nation, Berhalter replied: "For us, very similar to our efforts State-side, we have this mantra of 'be the change'.

"It's starting with the individual, and understanding every individual has a right or an obligation to promote change on their own level. That's something we've focused on as a group, a federation and as a team.

"I think the campaign has been successful. We started educating the players about 18 months ago about what’s going on in Qatar – from my perspective there's been some positive things and there's still also some work to do.

"This World Cup can help bring awareness to some of that, and that's why I think we're right in line with trying to bring attention to some of the issues here."

Named captain for the tournament, Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams shared his experience of meeting some of the migrant workers who had contributed to the building of the stadiums in Qatar.

"It was an amazing opportunity to be able to speak with some of the people that built the stadiums that we obviously have an amazing opportunity to play in," the 23-year-old said.

"It was all people who had an interest in football. They were so passionate about the stadiums, they all had a favourite, so to have a conversation with them, which games they were looking forward to, was really interesting and intriguing."