Top 5 2018 Russia FIFA World Cup Favourites

The 2018 FIFA World Cup is taking place in Russia from June 14 until July 15, with football’s biggest stars and nations facing off in a quest for the game’s ultimate glory. This is a preview of the favourites to lift the trophy come the 15^th of July.

1. Germany (FIFA Ranking 1)

The reigning world champions go into this edition of the World Cup as deserved favourites. The ridiculously bright future of German football was on show when virtually a second string side won the lead up tournament, the Confederations Cup. With the squad showing impressive depth and strength in every position but centre forward, they are well-placed to defend their title. The machine that is Die Mannschaft won every match in qualifying and are currently unbeaten in 22 games.

2. Brazil (2)

Lauded as favourites to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy at home in 2014, the Brazilians were stung by the 7-1 defeat inflicted by Germany in the semi-final, a result which will still be fresh in their minds four years on and serve as motivation. After initially struggling in qualifying, a change in coach signalled a change in fortunes for the Seleção as Tite led them to an incredible nine consecutive victories as they qualified top of the group. With talent playing all over the globe and Neymar leading the attack, Brazil could go far.

3. France (9)

France has arguably the most depth of any national team in the world. The problem for them and coach Didier Deschamps is shaping this talent into a fluent and cohesive whole. After finishing as runners up at home in the 2016 Euro Championships, Le Bleus’ form has dipped and Deschamps will be looking to stars like Raphael Varane, Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann and wonderkid Kylian Mbappe to step up and deliver when their country need it most.

4. Spain (=6)

Spain’s golden generation were stung at the last World Cup, being bundled out in the group stage after winning the previous three major competitions. With many of the core still playing, complemented by raft of young midfield talent, they will be keen to make amends and go all the way. La Roja go into the Cup in a rich vein of form, being unbeaten in their past 15 matches.

5. Argentina (4)

After being runners-up in their past three major tournaments, this World Cup could be the aging squad’s last chance at glory. After struggling through South American qualifying, they were hauled to the World Cup by one man in particular: Lionel Messi. His presence alone for the Albaceleste is the greatest factor in Argentina’s appearance in this list and chances in the Cup.

Honourable mentions: Belgium (5) and Portugal (3)