Russia
Likely to become only the second hosts in World Cup history to be knocked out in the groups.
Saudi Arabia
A worrying turnaround of managers and lack of star quality means Saudi Arabia aren’t prepared for the tournament.
Egypt
Will hope Salah recovers fully from injury to lead them out of the group for the first time.
Uruguay
Suarez and Cavani guarantee goals – but facing Spain or Portugal in the second round could halt their progress.
Portugal
Should and will let Ronaldo have the limelight – his desire for individual success could take them far again.
Embed from Getty ImagesSpain
With many of Spain’s ‘golden generation’ still present their squad is ageing, but remains packed full of talent.
Morocco
A tough group means Morocco won’t be the dark horses people thought they might be before the draw.
Iran
A strong defence means they won’t get rolled over, but a weak attack means they won’t surprise either.
France
Boasting a huge pool of young talent, France will be one of the favourites and exciting to watch.
Australia
They’ll show plenty of determination and never give up, but lack the quality to progress beyond the group.
Peru
An exciting yet experienced squad with potential, they’ve been boosted by Paolo Guerrero’s ban for doping being overturned.
Embed from Getty ImagesDenmark
Have the right balance of youth and experience, whilst Christian Eriksen is a player who can win games.
Argentina
Struggled through qualifying, but will be a threat with one of the best attacking arsenals at the tournament.
Iceland
The first time qualifiers will be watched with interest, and they might just make it through the group.
Croatia
An experienced squad with players at Europe’s top clubs, but they aren’t overly popular with fans back home.
Nigeria
Having a young squad could either see them go far on buoyant energy, or struggle on little experience.
Embed from Getty ImagesBrazil
The first team to qualify, Brazil’s star studded team have an excellent chance to emphatically avenge 2014’s demons.
Switzerland
Won nine games out of ten games in qualifying, but without a consistent goalscorer they won’t shock anyone.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s 2014 heroes remain, but they’re on poor form and are unlikely to cause an upset again.
Serbia
Have some exciting young players as well as an experienced core, but October’s managerial switch could affect them.
Germany
As strong as ever, they’re in good shape to retain the trophy, joining Brazil on five world titles.
Embed from Getty ImagesMexico
Likely to be knocked out in the Round of 16 for the seventh World Cup in a row.
Sweden
Without Zlatan, Sweden’s team spirit and unity is superb, but they do miss his presence and quality upfront.
South Korea
Struggled to qualify and on the decline, Tottenham’s Son Heung-Min offers a very faint glimmer of hope.
Belgium
2018 may finally be the year that Belgium’s golden generation lives up to the hype. They’ll score bucketloads.
Panama
Panamanians will enjoy being part of their inaugural World Cup, but less so what happens on the pitch.
Tunisia
Injury to star man Youssef Msakni ended their already slim hopes of making it out of the group.
Embed from Getty ImagesEngland
The quarter-finals would be a success for a very youthful side spearheaded by a word class striker.
Poland
Last chance for many of Poland’s stars to impress on the big stage, including the prolific Robert Lewandowski.
Senegal
Senegal are inconsistent and difficult to predict, but with Sadio Mane headlining an exciting attack, they’ll be dangerous.
Colombia
With a fearsome attack Colombia will aim for the quarters again, but they struggle against the top teams.
Japan
An open Group H gives Japan a chance, but they might fall short on a lack of quality.
