Let the prognosticating begin.
Friday's World Cup draw produced some exciting matchups. Here's what to expect from each group ahead of the 2018 summer spectacle:
Group A
Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Uruguay
- Favourite: Uruguay
- Best match: Egypt vs. Uruguay (June 15)
- Player to watch: Mohamed Salah
This is arguably the weakest group of the bunch. While anticipation for the World Cup will be high, the tournament opener on June 14 between Russia and Saudi Arabia - the two lowest-ranked sides in the World Cup - is likely to be far from memorable. Uruguay should fancy its chances to win Group A, especially with Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani leading the line. The race for second, however, is completely open. Egypt is the only team with enough talent to challenge Uruguay.
Group B
Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Iran
- Favourite: Spain
- Best match: Portugal vs. Spain (June 15)
- Player to watch: Cristiano Ronaldo
Group B is top-heavy. The Iberian derby is the obvious headliner, and it's unlikely any other country but Portugal and Spain will advance out of this quartet. Because this matchup is the first one up, the result could determine the winner of the group. Cristiano Ronaldo has never scored against Spain in his international career, and it won't be easy to break open that account against Julen Lopetegui's revamped midfield.
Group C
France, Australia, Peru, Denmark
- Favourite: France
- Best match: Peru vs. Denmark (June 16)
- Player to watch: Christian Eriksen
There's some darkhorse material in Group C. France is a near lock to make the knockout round, but Denmark and Peru have enough potential to join Les Bleus in the latter stages. The Danes have the luxury of unleashing match-winner Christian Eriksen, while Peru is the ultimate sum of its parts. But France should have no issues topping the group, especially with Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, and Alexandre Lacazette at manager Didier Deschamps' disposal.
Group D
Argentina, Iceland, Croatia, Nigeria
- Favourite: Argentina
- Best match: Nigeria vs. Argentina (June 26)
- Player to watch: Lionel Messi
If there is a Group of Death, it's this one. Argentina is the favourite based on name alone, but underwhelming results in the World Cup qualifying phase should encourage its opponents. Iceland cannot be underestimated anymore, Croatia has talent in midfield and attack, and Nigeria is one of the most promising teams in the tournament. Nigeria and Argentina are also set to renew their underrated World Cup rivalry. They've been drawn together in five of the past seven tournaments.
Group E
Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Serbia
- Favourite: Brazil
- Best match: Brazil vs. Costa Rica (June 22)
- Player to watch: Neymar
Brazil has a serious shot at World Cup redemption in Russia. Nearly four years removed from an era-defining 7-1 loss to Germany, the Verde-Amarela have recaptured their samba magic. Brazil was one of the first teams to book a 2018 World Cup ticket, finishing with an astonishing 41 goals in 18 qualifiers. Switzerland, Costa Rica, and Serbia will have to fight amongst themselves for the right to finish second.
Group F
Germany, Mexico, Sweden, South Korea
- Favourite: Germany
- Best match: Germany vs. Mexico (June 17)
- Player to watch: Leroy Sane
None of Germany's Group F opponents should trouble the reigning World Cup champion. Mexico has also made a habit of reaching the Round of 16 before inevitably faltering. Only an appearance from Zlatan Ibrahimovic - who retired from international duty last year - would turn Sweden into a legitimate contender. And unfortunately, South Korea relies too much on the ability of Heung-Min Son to make any kind of challenge.
Group G
Belgium, Panama, Tunisia, England
- Favourite: Belgium
- Best match: England vs. Belgium (June 28)
- Player to watch: Eden Hazard
England's draw was a lot more forgiving than expected. Although Belgium boasts more talent in virtually every position, the Three Lions can reasonably expect to advance from Group G. Even if it lacks star power, Tunisia is an interesting opponent. It finished the qualifying phase unbeaten, scoring 11 goals while conceding just four. Panama's fans will be fun to watch, but as a first-time World Cup participant, the team itself will struggle.
Group H
Poland, Senegal, Colombia, Japan
- Favourite: Colombia
- Best match: Senegal vs. Colombia (June 28)
- Player to watch: James Rodriguez
This is a hipster's paradise. Each of the teams in Group H have a chance of progressing, with Colombia holding a slight advantage over the rest. James Rodriguez was so good in the last World Cup that he earned a move to Real Madrid, and Radamel Falcao is back in form. Poland is poised to make a run of its own after decades of disappointment. With just two group-stage wins to its name since the 1986 World Cup, the Polish can now look to Robert Lewandowski for goals. Senegal, meanwhile, has tremendous upset potential.
