World Cup: All eyes on Gareth Bale as Wales football team returns to World Cup after 64 years

The Welsh national squad will be highly motivated to compete at the biggest football tournament for the first time in 64 years. The qualification is a result of more than a decade of consistent improvement and the presence of Gareth Bale, one of the best football players in the world.

It will most likely be the final opportunity for Gareth Bale to shine on the international stage with his club career winding down since leaving Real Madrid.

Rob Page has taken over the reins as the coach for the Welsh national team following the departure of Manchester United great Ryan Giggs due to an ongoing domestic violence trial.

World Cup group

Wales have been in a tough group at the Qatar World Cup, with all four teams in the top 20 on the FIFA rankings. They have been placed in Group B alongside England, Iran, and the United States.

Gareth Bale's Fitness

Gareth Bale has played 30 minutes of football since the 1-0 victory over Ukraine in the World Cup qualification match in September. However, he was not completely fit during the MLS Cup Final.

The 33-year-old Welsh winger has been following a specialized fitness program in the United States to ensure that he is at optimal fitness for the 2022 World Cup.

While talking about his fitness, Gareth Bale said, "I'm fully fit and ready to go. Speaking to a few of the boys, even for them having to play this weekend was tough mentally, and we're just praying not to have an injury at all because it's such a big occasion."

Squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup

Several established stars and promising youngsters have been included in the 26-man squad for the World Cup alongside Gareth Bale by Rob Page.

Forwards: Gareth Bale, Daniel James, Kieffer Moore, Brennan Johnson and Mark Harris.

Midfielders: Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen, Harry Wilson, Joe Morrell, Jonny Williams, Matthew Smith, Dylan Levitt and Sorba Thomas.

Defenders: Ethan Ampadu, Chris Mepham, Ben Davies, Chris Gunter, Connor Roberts, Joe Rodon, Neco Williams, Ben Cabango, Tom Lockyer and Ruben Colwill.

Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey, Danny Ward and Adam Davies.

Schedule

Wales will begin their campaign against the United States at the Al Rayyan Stadium on November 21 before clashing with Iran on November 25 and finishing their group stage fixtures against England on November 29.