Yunus Musah, Tyler Adams create history in USA's World Cup opener against Wales

The United States played a 1-1 draw in their first match in the tournament.

Yunus Musah and Tyler Adams made history with the USA as The Yanks returned to the FIFA World Cup stage after eight years. The USA missed the 2018 edition in Russia. Gregg Berhalter's side were held to a 1-1 draw by Wales in their opening match. Timothy Weah put the United States ahead in the first half. However, Wales drew level through Gareth Bale from the penalty spot.

19-year-old Yunus Musah youngest player to start a World Cup match for USA

Yunus Musah scripted history in USA's FIFA World Cup 2022 opener against Wales. The 19-year-old became the youngest player to start a World Cup match for the USA men's national team (USMNT). Musah, 19 years and 358 days old, surpassed the record of DaMarcus Beasley who was 20 years and 12 days old when he made his World Cup debut against Portugal in the 2002 edition.

Valencia midfielder, Musah, is also the first La Liga player to play for the United States at the World Cup. A total of 10 players in the USA's starting XI play club football in Europe, most for the nation in a World Cup match.

Tyler Adams youngest player to captain USA at World Cup since 1950

Musah's partner in midfield, Tyler Adams also became the USA's youngest World Cup captain since Harry Keough and Walter Bahr in 1950. Adams is also the third youngest skipper in the country's World Cup history. Harry Keough, who was the youngest USA skipper in the FIFA World Cup, was 22 years and 222 days old when he captained the side against Spain on June 25, 1950. At 23 years and 92 days old, Walter Bahr is the second youngest skipper. He captained the USA against Chile in the same edition.

Tyler Adams is the third youngest player at 23 years and 279 days old. Adams is a first-time World Cup player for the USMNT. While the captain tag adds pressure on his debut, he's used to defying expectations at a young age.

He joined the Red Bulls Academy in 2011 and the reserve team in 2015. Since his contract signing, history has been created by the young player.

Adams was the first Red Bulls Regional Development school graduate to sign a pro contract. He made 33 appearances with NYRB II and debuted in MLS in 2016. He joined RB Leipzig after four years. Adams joined Leeds United in 2022 and has 13 appearances this year.  He is the first 1999-born USMNT player. Adams debuted for USMNT in 2017. In a friendly against Portugal, he became the team's first 1999-born player to start.

Meanwhile, Gareth Bale has surpassed Chris Gunter's record of 109 Wales caps, with the full-back being named on the bench by Rob Page.