Iran Press/ Middle East: The Welsh looked destined for defeat in their first appearance in the tournament for 64 years after Timothy Weah opened the scoring in the first half.
But their talisman Bale won and scored the spot-kick, earning them a precious point in Group B.
After 35 minutes in which the Stars and Stripes largely had the upper hand, Timothy Weah put his side ahead with a neat finish supplied by “Captain America” Christian Pulisic.
Wales had been overwhelmed in the first half, and in response, manager Rob Page brought on Kieffer Moore for the ineffective Dan James at the break.
The Bournemouth striker should have leveled for Wales on 65 minutes, as he rose at the near post from a corner, but somehow headed over with the net at his mercy.
With eight minutes to go, they did find the equalizer, however. Bale got in front of Walker Zimmerman in the box to be tripped and win a penalty before steering the ball past Matt Turner.
The draw means the USA and Wales will be desperate to make a significant impact in their games against Iran, with Wales up first against Team Melli on Friday. At the same time, the USA takes on England, with the fixtures reversed the following Tuesday in the final group stage games.
Earlier in the day, England kicked off their Group B campaign with a 6-2 victory over Iran, with Bukayo Saka scoring twice.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup kicked off on Sunday, November 20, with 64 matches being played in 29 days through to the final on December 18.
216
Read more:
World Cup Qatar 2022 opening ceremony starts officially
