With 32 teams vying to lift the World Cup trophy, it’s no easy job ranking them from first to last! This year’s draw has separated all of the best teams in the competition, which could lead to some massive knockout stage matches, particularly from the quarter-finals onwards. To come up with our rankings, we predicted the outcome of every match (including scores) to work out the final placings of each team.
World Cup 2018 Power Rankings
For example, we feel Uruguay will dominate their relatively easy group, however also believe they will be knocked out by either England in the second round. As they finish our hypothetical tournament with three wins from four matches, they finish ninth, the highest ranked loser in the round of sixteen… So what about the rest of the field?
#32 Iran
Qualifiers Record: Qualified as winner of AFC Third Round Group B (6W, 4D, 0L).
World Cup Participation: 5th appearance.
Best World Cup Finish: Group Stage (1978, 1998, 2006, 2014).
Team Strengths: 12 consecutive clean sheets during qualification was a direct result of a deep-lying defence and quick counter attacking football, well utilised by Carlos Queiroz’s team. Iran managed to comfortably top the weaker of the two AFC qualifying groups without losing a match.
Team Weaknesses: A lack of fixtures against nations ranked in the top thirty may see them struggle to cope with the might of Spain and Portugal.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Group Stage Exit.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+500)
Quarter final (+3900)
Group Match (-833)
Semi final (+9900)
Runner-up (+14900)
Winner (+43900)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP B
Yes (+450)
No (-833)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (+1400)
No (-10000)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (N/A)
No (N/A)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (N/A)
No (N/A)
#31 Korea Republic
Qualifiers Record: Qualified as runner-up of AFC Third Round Group A (4W, 3D, 3L).
World Cup Participation: 10th appearance.
Best World Cup Finish: Fourth Place (2002).
Team Strengths: The Korean side contains Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min and Swansea City’s Ki Sung-yueng, who are both capable of big things.
Team Weaknesses: Throughout qualification, the two big names were the only two dependable players. Three losses in a group containing Uzbekistan, Syria and Qatar is grim reading for fans of the Koreans.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Group Stage Exit.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+300)
Quarter final (+900)
Group Match (-286)
Semi final (+3900)
Runner-up (+24900)
Winner (+59900)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP F
Yes (+215)
No (-286)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (+1200)
No (-10000)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (N/A)
No (N/A)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (N/A)
No (N/A)
#30 Saudi Arabia
Qualifiers Record: Qualified as runner-up of AFC Third Round Group B (6W, 1D, 3L).
World Cup Participation: 5th appearance.
Best World Cup Finish: Round of 16 (1994).
Team Strengths: The entire squad plays in the Saudi domestic league which makes it easy to keep the team together and unite tactically.
Team Weaknesses: Their biggest strength is also a weakness – no players gain valuable European club experience, meaning they are well behind the eight ball when coming up against nations from different regions.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Group Stage Exit.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+700)
Quarter final (+4900)
Group Match (-1429)
Semi final (+7900)
Runner-up (+29900)
Winner (+99900)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP A
Yes (+650)
No (-1429)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (+1400)
No (-10000)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (N/A)
No (N/A)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (N/A)
No (N/A)
#29 Japan
Qualifiers Record: Qualified as winner of AFC Third Round Group B (6W, 2D, 2L).
World Cup Participation: 6th appearance.
Best World Cup Finish: Round of 16 (2002, 2010).
Team Strengths: Japan qualified as top of the stronger of the two AFC groups thanks mainly to their solid defence.
Team Weaknesses: New manager Vahid Halilhodzic has ruffled the feathers by expelling stars Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa from the lineup, as they move to a counter-attacking style of football rather than the traditional possession based play Japan is known for. Leicester City forward Shinji Okazaki is also on the outer, and many have questioned the logic of excluding the country’s best players.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Group Stage Exit.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+250)
Quarter final (+1000)
Group Match (-250)
Semi final (+3900)
Runner-up (+9900)
Winner (+23900)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP H
Yes (+180)
No (-250)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (+1000)
No (-5000)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (+2900)
No (-10000)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (N/A)
No (N/A)
#28 Tunisia
Qualifiers Record: Qualified as winner of CAF Third Round Group A (4W, 2D, 0L).
World Cup Participation: 5th appearance.
Best World Cup Finish: Group Stage (1978, 1998, 2002, 2006).
Team Strengths: Youssef Msakni is the star in midfield and much of the play revolves around him. The 4-2-3-1 formation utilised by manager Nabil Maaloul also makes the full-backs an effective attacking outlet.
Team Weaknesses: A lack of big name players across the pitch will make it difficult for the Tunisians to progress.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Group Stage Exit.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+350)
Quarter final (+1150)
Group Match (-333)
Semi final (+3900)
Runner-up (+19900)
Winner (+59900)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP G
Yes (+250)
No (-333)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (+1000)
No (-5000)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (N/A)
No (N/A)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (N/A)
No (N/A)
#27 Iceland
Qualifiers Record: Qualified as winners of UEFA First Round Group I (7W, 1D, 2L).
World Cup Participation: First appearance.
Team Strengths: Iceland are punching well above their weight and are now the smallest country in terms of population to qualify for the World Cup. Their biggest strength will once again be their travelling fans, plus a few thousand neutral supporters, who would all love to see the tiny nation replicate their run at the 2016 Euros.
Team Weaknesses: Iceland were well beaten by France in the Euro 2016 Quarter Finals, and it exposed their inability to match the top-tier nations. They will need to over-achieve once more to get out of their group.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Group Stage Exit.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+350)
Quarter final (+1500)
Group Match (-400)
Semi final (+3200)
Runner-up (+9900)
Winner (+19900)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP D
Yes (+260)
No (-400)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (+1000)
No (-5000)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (+2400)
No (-10000)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (N/A)
No (N/A)
#26 Peru
Qualifiers Record: Qualified via intercontinental play off after finishing as fourth-placed team in CONMEBOL group (7W, 5D, 6L).
World Cup Participation: 5th appearance.
Best World Cup Finish: Quarter Finals (1970).
Team Strengths: Peru are playing a possession-based style of football full of short passing, which complements their players perfectly. They also benefit from playing all their competitive football in South America against tough opposition.
Team Weaknesses: Their play off against New Zealand in Wellington saw them wasteful in front of goal and almost undone from set pieces at the death. Defeating weak opposition away from home may be an issue.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Group Stage Exit.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+300)
Quarter final (+1400)
Group Match (-333)
Semi final (+3900)
Runner-up (+9900)
Winner (+18900)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP C
Yes (+230)
No (-333)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (+900)
No (-3333)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (+1900)
No (-10000)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (N/A)
No (N/A)
#25 Serbia
Qualifiers Record: Qualified as winners of UEFA First Round Group D (6W, 3D, 1L).
World Cup Participation: 2nd appearance as an independent nation (also appeared as Serbia and Montenegro and Yugoslavia).
Best World Cup Finish: Group Stage (2010).
Team Strengths: Serbia have a number of talented players in their ranks, most notably Manchester United’s Nemanja Matic and recently recalled midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Lazio).
Team Weaknesses: Despite losing just one match in qualifying, manager Slavolijub Muslin was fired after a disagreement with the Serbian FA president. Finding a replacement could prove to be a distraction, and the short preparation time for the new coach could potentially leave Serbia underdone.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Group Stage Exit.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+200)
Quarter final (+700)
Group Match (-154)
Semi final (+2000)
Runner-up (+6500)
Winner (+13900)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP E
Yes (+115)
No (-154)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (+700)
No (-1667)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (+1500)
No (-10000)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (+4900)
No (-10000)
#24 Costa Rica
Qualifiers Record: Qualified as second-placed team in CONCACAF Fifth Round (4W, 4D, 2L).
World Cup Participation: 5th appearance.
Best World Cup Finish: Quarter Finals (2014).
Team Strengths: Costa Rica managed to top a group in 2014 consisting of Uruguay, Italy and England, and with Keylor Navas (Real Madrid) in net they always have a chance of wearing an opponent down with a resolute 5-4-1 formation.
Team Weaknesses: The fact that they are in the CONCACAF region means that aside from Mexico they rarely get to take on strong opponents from other regions. Their recent friendly losses to European nations (5-0 to Spain and 1-0 to Hungary) supports this theory.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Group Stage Exit.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+375)
Quarter final (+1900)
Group Match (-500)
Semi final (+6500)
Runner-up (+14900)
Winner (+39900)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP E
Yes (+325)
No (-500)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (+1400)
No (-10000)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (N/A)
No (N/A)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (N/A)
No (N/A)
#23 Australia
Qualifiers Record: Qualified via intercontinental playoff after winning AFC Fourth Round play off and finishing third in AFC Third Round Group B (5W, 4D, 1L).
World Cup Participation: 5th appearance.
Best World Cup Finish: Round of 16 (2006).
Team Strengths: The Australian side travelled the greatest distance out of any nation during qualifying, including overcoming two play-off fixtures. Their players are mostly based in Europe, so incredible fitness and resilience is a feature of their team.
Team Weaknesses: With no class striker in the ranks since the days of Mark Viduka (2006 World Cup), Australia are still far too reliant on 38 year-old frontman Tim Cahill and will struggle to score goals.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Group Stage Exit
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+400)
Quarter final (+1900)
Group Match (-455)
Semi final (+6500)
Runner-up (+14900)
Winner (+27900)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP C
Yes (+300)
No (-455)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (+1400)
No (-10000)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (+3900)
No (-10000)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (N/A)
No (N/A)
#22 Nigeria
Qualifiers Record: Qualified as winner of CAF Third Round Group B (4W, 1D, 1L).
World Cup Participation: 6th appearance.
Best World Cup Finish: Second Round (1994).
Team Strengths: Nigeria topped a group consisting of Algeria and Cameroon and still managed to qualify with a game to spare. They have a number of young players to call upon, most notably Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi, and with Victor Moses (Chelsea) and former Chelsea star Mikel John Obi in their ranks they are solid and powerful.
Team Weaknesses: Nigeria have had the misfortune of drawing Argentina in four of the last five World Cups and have lost all four matches against them. They are still not quite good enough to overcome the best teams.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Group Stage Exit.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+325)
Quarter final (+1150)
Group Match (-333)
Semi final (+3200)
Runner-up (+9900)
Winner (+18900)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP D
Yes (+230)
No (-333)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (+1000)
No (-5000)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (+2400)
No (-10000)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (N/A)
No (N/A)
#21 Panama
Qualifiers Record: Qualified as third-placed team in CONCACAF Fifth Round (3W, 4D, 3L).
World Cup Participation: First appearance.
Team Strengths: Panama’s main strength, much like a newly promoted team, is that they are new to the competition and will be running on adrenaline. With nothing to lose, and against an England team known to choke, Panama have an outside chance of replicating Costa Rica’s feats from 2014.
Team Weaknesses: Big match experience is almost non-existent throughout the Panama side.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Group Stage Exit.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+800)
Quarter final (+3400)
Group Match (-2000)
Semi final (+14900)
Runner-up (+49900)
Winner (+99900)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP G
Yes (+750)
No (-2000)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (+1900)
No (-10000)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (N/A)
No (N/A)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (N/A)
No (N/A)
#20 Morocco
Qualifiers Record: Qualified as winner of CAF Third Round Group C (3W, 3D, 0L).
World Cup Participation: 5th appearance.
Best World Cup Finish: Second Round (1986).
Team Strengths: Defensively the Moroccans were solid throughout qualifying, managing to breeze through without conceding a goal.
Team Weaknesses: A lack of competitive (or even friendly) matches against the bigger nations may prove to be an issue in terms of preparation. Currently, their only scheduled match prior to the World Cup is against Uzbekistan.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Group Stage Exit.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+475)
Quarter final (+2300)
Group Match (-714)
Semi final (+6500)
Runner-up (+14900)
Winner (+37900)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP B
Yes (+425)
No (-714)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (+1000)
No (-5000)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (+4900)
No (-10000)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (N/A)
No (N/A)
#19 Russia
Qualifiers Record: N/A – Automatic Qualification (competitive record since 2016 – 1W-1D-4L)
World Cup Participation: 11th appearance (7 as the Soviet Union).
Best World Cup Finish: Fourth Place (1966).
Team Strengths: Russia’s attack have a lot of goals in them – Fyodor Smolov and Aleksandr Kokorin have scored plenty in 2017.
Team Weaknesses: New manager Stanislav Cherchesov has introduced young defenders who are not yet proven in a competitive international tournament.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Group Stage Exit.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+160)
Quarter final (+300)
Group Match (+240)
Semi final (+600)
Runner-up (+2100)
Winner (+3500)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP A
Yes (-333)
No (+240)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (+150)
No (-200)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (+550)
No (-1111)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (+1400)
No (-10000)
#18 Sweden
Qualifiers Record: Qualified via play off after finishing runner-up of UEFA First Round Group A (6W, 1D, 3L).
World Cup Participation: 12th appearance.
Best World Cup Finish: Runner Up (1958).
Team Strengths: Sweden managed to eliminate both the Netherlands and Italy from World Cup qualification, and proved in their match at the San Siro that they are tactically sound and defensively resilient.
Team Weaknesses: The decision on whether or not to include Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the World Cup squad needs to be made sooner rather than later. There is a danger that ongoing speculation could prove to be an unnecessary distraction.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Group Stage Exit.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+225)
Quarter final (+900)
Group Match (-182)
Semi final (+2400)
Runner-up (+6500)
Winner (+9900)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP F
Yes (+140)
No (-182)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (+700)
No (-1667)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (+1200)
No (-10000)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (+4900)
No (-10000)
#17 Poland
Qualifiers Record: Qualified as winners of UEFA First Round Group E (8W, 1D, 1L).
World Cup Participation: 8th appearance.
Best World Cup Finish: Third Place (1974, 1982).
Team Strengths: Poland have no issues in front of goal thanks to Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski, who hit a record-breaking 16 goals during qualifying.
Team Weaknesses: The Poles are nowhere near as defensively sound and were ripped apart in their 4-0 loss to Denmark. They conceded the most goals out of any of the group winners and Adam Nawalka will need to rectify this if they are to have a chance.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Group Stage Exit.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+170)
Quarter final (+450)
Group Match (+120)
Semi final (+1600)
Runner-up (+3200)
Winner (+4400)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP H
Yes (-167)
No (+120)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (+250)
No (-333)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (+600)
No (-1250)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (+1500)
No (-10000)
#16 Denmark
Qualifiers Record: Qualified via play off after finishing runner-up of UEFA First Round Group E (6W, 2D, 2L).
World Cup Participation: 5th appearance.
Best World Cup Finish: Quarter Finals (1998).
Team Strengths: Denmark were impressive throughout qualifying, and their attacking threat was no better summed up than in their 4-0 and 5-1 defeats of Poland and Ireland respectively. Tottenham Hotspur’s Christian Eriksen is one of the best attacking midfielders in the world.
Team Weaknesses: While Christian Eriksen scored 11 goals in 12 matches during qualifying, the Danes will need to be careful not to become over-dependent on him. They also looked nervous in their home match against Ireland, and will need to manage expectations at the World Cup.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Round of 16 Exit.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+160)
Quarter final (+525)
Group Match (+125)
Semi final (+1100)
Runner-up (+3300)
Winner (+8900)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP C
Yes (-167)
No (+125)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (+600)
No (-1250)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (+1000)
No (-5000)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (+2400)
No (-10000)
#15 Senegal
Qualifiers Record: Qualified as winner of CAF Third Round Group D (4W, 2D, 0L).
World Cup Participation: 2nd appearance.
Best World Cup Finish: Quarter Finals (2002).
Team Strengths: Liverpool star Sadio Mane will lead the charge for Senegal, who are making just their second appearance. Also featuring Monaco’s Keita Balde, the Senegalese are able to utilise a 4-3-3 formation that will cause chaos against teams who have even the slightest defensive frailties.
Team Weaknesses: Like the other African nations, Senegal lacks big match experience and will need to adjust quickly when they run out against Poland in their opening game.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Round of 16 Exit.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+240)
Quarter final (+700)
Group Match (-182)
Semi final (+3200)
Runner-up (+7900)
Winner (+13900)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP H
Yes (+140)
No (-182)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (+500)
No (-833)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (+1400)
No (-10000)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (+4900)
No (-10000)
#14 Colombia
Qualifiers Record: Qualified as fourth-placed team in CONMEBOL group (7W, 6D, 5L).
World Cup Participation: 6th appearance.
Best World Cup Finish: Quarter Finals (2014).
Team Strengths: Columbia were at their best during qualification when they utilised a more defensive approach, and the blooding of new faces at the back will only benefit the side when the World Cup rolls around. They also possess the players to hit on the break, namely Monaco’s Radamel Falcao.
Team Weaknesses: Many of their top players, including Falcao, have lacked game time. David Ospina (Arsenal) is always going to be the second-choice goalkeeper, while James Rodriguez hasn’t featured too much for Bayern.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Round of 16 Exit.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+135)
Quarter final (+350)
Group Match (+225)
Semi final (+1000)
Runner-up (+2500)
Winner (+3200)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP H
Yes (-333)
No (+225)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (+185)
No (-250)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (+550)
No (-1111)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (+1200)
No (-10000)
#13 Mexico
Qualifiers Record: Qualified as first-placed team in CONCACAF Fifth Round (6W, 3D, 1L).
World Cup Participation: 16th appearance.
Best World Cup Finish: Quarter Finals (1970, 1986).
Team Strengths: Mexico easily topped the CONCACAF standings during qualifying, and are a consistent bet at the World Cup – they have made it to the Round of 16 in all six of the previous tournaments.
Team Weaknesses: A lack of consistent competitive matches against top teams is always going to be a hindrance. 7-0 and 4-1 losses to Chile and Germany respectively in 2017 have many experts suggesting it will be more of the same for Mexico in 2018.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Round of 16 Exit.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+210)
Quarter final (+700)
Group Match (-167)
Semi final (+1900)
Runner-up (+6700)
Winner (+9900)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP F
Yes (+125)
No (-167)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (+500)
No (-833)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (+1200)
No (-10000)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (+3900)
No (-10000)
#12 Egypt
Qualifiers Record: Qualified as winner of CAF Third Round Group E (4W, 1D, 1L).
World Cup Participation: 3rd appearance.
Best World Cup Finish: Group Stage (1934, 1990).
Team Strengths: They are solid at the back, and tactically they stick to a defensive style (4-2-3-1). Since Hector Cuper took over the team they have only conceded two goals or more once in a match (30 games). Mo Salah is a real threat up front, as he has shown for Liverpool this season.
Team Weaknesses: Although their defensive style is useful in Africa, they may find themselves behind the better teams at the World Cup and will need a clear Plan B.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Round of 16 Exit.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+200)
Quarter final (+800)
Group Match (-167)
Semi final (+2400)
Runner-up (+6700)
Winner (+17400)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP A
Yes (+125)
No (-167)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (+900)
No (-3333)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (+1500)
No (-10000)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (+4900)
No (-10000)
#11 Switzerland
Qualifiers Record: Qualified via play off after finishing runner-up of UEFA First Round Group B (9W, 0D, 1L).
World Cup Participation: 11th appearance.
Best World Cup Finish: Quarter Finals (1934, 1938, 1954)
Team Strengths: Switzerland are a well-oiled machine these days, winning nine out of their ten qualification matches and appearing tactically sound. Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka bosses the midfield, while Zherdan Shaqiri (Stoke City) can win matches on his own. They rarely concede goals and are tough to break down.
Team Weaknesses: They do not have an out and out striker, and they failed to reach the World Cup automatically on goal difference after finishing level with Portugal. They can’t afford to rely on penalty shootouts in the knockout stages.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Round of 16 Exit.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+200)
Quarter final (+600)
Group Match (-143)
Semi final (+2000)
Runner-up (+4900)
Winner (+7900)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP E
Yes (+105)
No (-143)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (+500)
No (-833)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (+1000)
No (-5000)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (+2400)
No (-10000)
#10 Croatia
Qualifiers Record: Qualified via play off after finishing runner-up of UEFA First Round Group I (6W, 2D, 2L).
World Cup Participation: 5th appearance as an independent nation.
Best World Cup Finish: Third Place (1998).
Team Strengths: Croatia boast some of the best players in Europe. Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Mario Mandzukic (Juventus), Ivan Perisic (Inter) and Ivan Rakitic (Barcelona) headline a team that is never too far away from the top sides in terms of betting odds.
Team Weaknesses: A tendency to fire managers can upset the rhythm of the Croatian side, who allowed Iceland to to their qualifying group. They have under-performed over the last decade, considering the talent available.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Round of 16 Exit.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+160)
Quarter final (+450)
Group Match (+150)
Semi final (+1000)
Runner-up (+2000)
Winner (+3900)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP D
Yes (-200)
No (+150)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (+225)
No (-333)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (+600)
No (-1250)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (+1400)
No (-10000)
#9 Uruguay
Qualifiers Record: Qualified as second-placed team in CONMEBOL group (9W, 4D, 5L).
World Cup Participation: 13th appearance.
Best World Cup Finish: Champions (1930, 1950).
Team Strengths: Uruguay had a much better qualification campaign than usual thanks to their ability to attack. With Luis Suarez (Barcelona) and Edinson Cavani (PSG) at the top of the line, expect this side to score plenty of goals, particularly in a group featuring none of the top nations.
Team Weaknesses: While the team’s tactical approach has worked against South American teams, two recent friendlies against European nations (Poland and Austria) resulted in a draw and a loss. They will almost certainly play either Spain or Portugal in the second round, and they may get found out.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Round of 16 Exit.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+150)
Quarter final (+350)
Group Match (+250)
Semi final (+800)
Runner-up (+1200)
Winner (+2700)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP A
Yes (-333)
No (+250)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (+160)
No (-222)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (+400)
No (-667)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (+1200)
No (-10000)
#8 England
Qualifiers Record: Qualified as winners of UEFA First Round Group D (8W, 2D, 0L).
World Cup Participation: 15th appearance.
Best World Cup Finish: Champions (1966).
Team Strengths: Tottenham’s Harry Kane will lead the line for what is a younger English side than we’re used to seeing. Gareth Southgate’s side were clinical throughout the qualification period, and they have now not lost a qualifier since October 2009.
Team Weaknesses: England simply do not produce in the big games. They have been given a golden opportunity to make it to at least the Quarter Finals, however still look short when compared to Spain, Brazil, Germany and France.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Quarter Final Exit.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+220)
Quarter final (+220)
Group Match (+400)
Semi final (+600)
Runner-up (+1000)
Winner (+1600)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP G
Yes (-667)
No (+400)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (-118)
No (-111)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (+300)
No (-455)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (+700)
No (-1667)
#7 Portugal
Qualifiers Record: Qualified as winners of UEFA First Round Group B (9W, 0D, 1L).
World Cup Participation: 7th appearance.
Best World Cup Finish: Third Place (1966).
Team Strengths: Resilience. Cristiano Ronaldo is obviously the focal point of their attack, yet the side showed in the 2016 Euros that they can certainly win without him. Defensively they were solid in qualifying, allowing just four goals from ten matches.
Team Weaknesses: By the time the World Cup kicks off, their main defenders will all be beyond 34 years old. Back to back games may be too much for the tiring legs of Pepe, Jose Fonte and Bruno Alves.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Quarter Final Exit.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+150)
Quarter final (+250)
Group Match (+400)
Semi final (+700)
Runner-up (+1000)
Winner (+2500)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP B
Yes (-667)
No (+400)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (+135)
No (-182)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (+450)
No (-833)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (+1200)
No (-10000)
#6 Spain
Qualifiers Record: Qualified as winners of UEFA First Round Group G (9W, 1D, 0L).
World Cup Participation: 15th appearance.
Best World Cup Finish: Champions (2010).
Team Strengths: Although Spain will be made up of mostly the same side that were eliminated from the Euros, they have looked refreshed in recent times. Undefeated in qualifying including a big home win against Italy showed that they still have a lot to offer, particularly with the world’s best goalkeeper (David De Gea) and a host of other big guns set to appear in Russia. Oh, and David Silva has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season.
Team Weaknesses: Gerard Pique, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Ramos are all getting on in age – they will need to be managed well if they are to survive the intense World Cup scheduling.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Quarter Final Exit.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+275)
Quarter final (+300)
Group Match (+700)
Semi final (+450)
Runner-up (+500)
Winner (+700)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP B
Yes (-1667)
No (+700)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (-167)
No (+125)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (+135)
No (-182)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (+325)
No (-500)
#5 Belgium
Qualifiers Record: Qualified as winners of UEFA First Round Group H (9W, 1D, 0L).
World Cup Participation: 13th appearance.
Best World Cup Finish: Fourth Place (1986).
Team Strengths: Belgium have one of the most talented squads in the world at the moment. Strong defenders like Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham) and Vincent Kompany (Manchester City) complement a fierce strike force including Eden Hazard (Chelsea) and Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United), who at 24 is already Belgium’s leading goal scorer. And let’s not forget arguably the best player in the Premier League at present, Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne. If they can click they will go a long way.
Team Weaknesses: This is more or less the same squad that should have gone a lot further at the Euros. The jury is still out as to whether the Belgians can play together, and whether manager Roberto Martinez can get it right tactically.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Quarter Final Exit.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+240)
Quarter final (+225)
Group Match (+450)
Semi final (+550)
Runner-up (+800)
Winner (+1200)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP G
Yes (-833)
No (+450)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (-143)
No (+105)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (+250)
No (-333)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (+500)
No (-833)
#4 Argentina
Qualifiers Record: Qualified as third-placed team in CONMEBOL group (7W, 7D, 4L).
World Cup Participation: 17th appearance.
Best World Cup Finish: Champions (1978, 1986).
Team Strengths: Any team featuring Lionel Messi will be a threat. Despite not playing their best football in 2014, the Argentines reached the final and weren’t far away from their third World Cup. With Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Gonzalo Higuain (Juventus) and Angel Di Maria (PSG) all fit in attack, they will be tough to stop.
Team Weaknesses: They were below average throughout qualifying and will need to be better as a team to make an impact in Russia. Lionel Messi bailed them out in the final game against Ecuador, although he can’t be expected to wave his wand in the latter stages of the World Cup.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Semi Final Exit.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+225)
Quarter final (+300)
Group Match (+400)
Semi final (+450)
Runner-up (+875)
Winner (+875)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP D
Yes (-667)
No (+400)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (-143)
No (+105)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (+185)
No (-250)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (+400)
No (-667)
#3 France
Qualifiers Record: Qualified as winners of UEFA First Round Group A (7W, 2D, 1L).
World Cup Participation: 15th appearance.
Best World Cup Finish: Champions (1998).
Team Strengths: Depth and enormous talent across the board. Opposing defences will have to come to terms with an attack featuring Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Kylian Mbappe (PSG) and Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona), while N’Golo Kante is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. Their speed is possibly unmatched throughout world football.
Team Weaknesses: France have a tendency to flop at every other World Cup. Their last five tournament results are Winners (1998), Group Stage (2002), Runner-up (2006), Group Stage (2010), Quarter Finals (2014).
World Cup 2018 Projection: Semi Final Exit.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+250)
Quarter final (+300)
Group Match (+1000)
Semi final (+350)
Runner-up (+650)
Winner (+550)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP C
Yes (-5000)
No (+1000)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (-200)
No (+150)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (+120)
No (-167)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (+275)
No (-400)
#2 Germany
Qualifiers Record: Qualified as winners of UEFA First Round Group C (10W, 0D, 0L).
World Cup Participation: 19th appearance.
Best World Cup Finish: Champions (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014).
Team Strengths: The World Champions might not have added the 2016 Euros trophy to their cabinet but have certainly been impressive since, winning all ten matches in qualifying and matching the European record of 43 goals in the process. They managed to win the Confederations Cup with a B-team, and the depth on show should signal a warning to their rivals. They have also had stability under Joachim Low for a decent period of time.
Team Weaknesses: It’s hard to pinpoint one. The favourites haven’t won the World Cup since 2002, but that’s hardly a German weakness.
World Cup 2018 Projection: Runner-Up.
STAGE OF ELIMINATION
Round of 16 (+275)
Quarter final (+350)
Group Match (+700)
Semi final (+450)
Runner-up (+550)
Winner (+475)
TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP – GROUP F
Yes (-1667)
No (+700)
TO REACH QUARTER FINAL
Yes (-200)
No (+150)
TO REACH SEMI FINAL
Yes (+100)
No (-133)
TO MAKE THE FINAL
Yes (+225)
No (-333)
#1 Brazil
Qualifiers Record: Qualified as first-placed team in CONMEBOL group (12W, 5D, 1L).
World Cup Participation: 21st appearance (only team to have featured in every tournament).
Best World Cup Finish: Champions (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002).
Team Strengths: Brazil are blessed with a number of talented players across the pitch and were absolutely ruthless in qualifying. Manager Tite has managed to accomodate Neymar (PSG) and Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City) in the attacking third, while Dani Albes and Marcelo are performing exceptionally well at full-back. Brazil have always had talent, but now appear to have found the right manager at the right time to have a run at the cup.
Team Weaknesses: It appears that Brazil have moved on from the 7-1 defeat to Germany in 2014, although we won’t really know until they reach the semi-finals in Russia.
