After more than six decades, the wait is very nearly over.

Manager Robert Page addresses the nation ahead of Wales' first World Cup finals match in 64 years.

Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport Wales in Doha

The Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium is lit in the colours of Wales, alternating with those of the United States.

It's quite a striking image with nothing around it but building sites and desert.

Image source, BBC Sport

Gareth Bale is ready to lead Wales in a "massive piece of history" when he captains them in their first World Cup match for 64 years tonight.

Although Wales have qualified for the past two European Championships, they have not played at a World Cup since 1958.

"It's probably the biggest honour we could have for our country, qualifying for a World Cup, something we haven't done in 64 years," said Bale.

"It's history in our country. Schools are going to stop to watch our games. Kids are going to miss school, fortunately for them.

"It's a massive piece of history in our country and something we have all wanted for a long time.

"We have the support of the nation back home, no matter what happens, as long as we give 100% our country will love us for that."

No country has waited as long between a first and second World Cup appearance as Wales, who reached the quarter-finals in 1958.

"Everybody's dreamt of it for such a long time, so many close calls," said Bale.

"For us to be the team that got over the line was incredible for us but, most importantly, the best thing was to do it for our country, to grow football and inspire another generation, and to get more kids playing football.

"By doing that we'll hopefully have a stronger national team in the future. In 20 years' time if someone is sat here and says we have inspired them then that's incredible."

As mentioned, we do not have tonight's teams as yet - but we do know who you would have picked to start for Wales.

Joe Allen's eve-of-game withdrawal may not have been a surprise - but is a blow for the majority of those who took part in our vote for Wales' opening World Cup XI.

Two out of three selectors named Allen in their team, before the Swansea City midfielder was ruled out of today's game.

Gareth Bale was the most popular pick, having been named in all but a few selections.

And you very narrowly opted for Danny Ward in goal ahead of Wayne Hennessey.

We asked you to pick your preferred starting XI for Wales' first World Cup finals fixture in 64 years, and Allen was the second most popular choice in midfield after Aaron Ramsey.

Voting might have been different had 72-cap Allen been ruled out earlier, but leaving out his votes sees Harry Wilson move into the top 11 on overall numbers, while Ethan Ampadu polled well in both midfield and defence.

Ben Davies was the most popular choice among defenders - only captain Bale received more total votes - and Daniel James and Kieffer Moore were overwhelming choices to support Bale in the forward line.

Hennessey - who has been Wales boss Robert Page's first choice in recent games - received 48.25% of the vote, while Leicester City keeper Ward polled only marginally more with 48.55%.

Over 59% of voters opted to go with a 4-3-3 formation, while Page has tended to favour 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 to fit in Connor Roberts and Neco Williams as wingbacks.

We should find out fairly soon how close your team is to the side Page picks for this landmark game.

Amid all the hype surrounding this historic game, spare a thought for one of Wales' main men, Joe Allen, who will miss out today with a hamstring injury.

We do not have the teams yet - we will bring them to you as soon as we get them - but we know Swansea City's Allen will not be involved as he continues his fight for fitness.

"We said from the start, we're going to give every possible chance that we can to get him to play that first game," he said.

"We could have pushed him, but if he breaks down then he's definitely out of the tournament. Risk over reward."

Swansea boss Russell Martin admitted Allen's medical treatment at the club "wasn't good enough", but he was named in Wales' squad for Qatar.

A key player for his country, 32-year-old Allen played at the past two European Championships and earned a place in the official Uefa team of the tournament when Wales reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016.

He will be missed tonight.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

It has been the big talking point of the day, and leading Welsh football figures and organisations have reacted with a mix of dismay, anger and disappointment over Fifa's OneLove armband stance at the World Cup in Qatar.

Fifa threatened bookings for any players who wear the armbands.

Wales' Gareth Bale was among a group of European national captains who had planned to wear the armband to promote diversity and inclusion.

Read more: Welsh dismay and anger at Fifa's OneLove armband stance

Image source, Getty Images

Welcome to a game the nation of Wales has waited 64 years for.

A game a generation or two in the making.

Wales. At the World Cup.

Let that sink in for a second or two.

Wales. At the World Cup.

It's my absolute honour to bring you coverage of a sporting event important enough to make schools cancel lessons and ensure a whole country will be tuning in to watch Rob Page's men.

They face no easy task today against the United States of America, whose squad is packed full of young players from some of the world's elite leagues.

The final World Cup game on day two of the tournament is Wales against the USA.

We'll take you through the all the build-up, action and reaction right here, while those of you looking for Welsh language coverage (we are looking at you, Rob McElhenney) can do so here.

Image source, FAW