World Cup 2018 draw verdict: Who is likely to qualify from each of the groups at the finals in Russia?

Published on: 01 December 2017
World Cup 2018 draw verdict: Who is likely to qualify from each of the groups at the finals in Russia?
World Cup draw

The draw has now been made for the 2018 World Cup, with some fascinating groups thrown up for the tournament in Russia.

England have been paired with Belgium, Tunisia and Panama in Group G, which appears to be a pretty favourable draw.

We take a closer look at all eight of the groups and predict which sides will make it through to the last-16 stage.

GROUP A

Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Uruguay

A pretty favourable draw for the host nation that should sustain local interest and excitement for a fair while.

They're likely to be competing with Egypt for second place behind Uruguay, with the meeting between Russia and Egypt in Saint-Petersburg on June 19 likely to be the pivotal match.

Likely qualifiers: Uruguay and Russia.

GROUP B

Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Iran

It's tricky to look beyond the two Iberian nations to progress in what is a very favourable draw for them.

Spain and Portugal, given all their talent and firepower, should make light work of Morocco and Iran.

Likely qualifiers: Spain and Portugal

GROUP C

France, Australia, Peru, Denmark

A really good draw for France, who are listed among the favourites to win the competition given their incredible squad strength in depth.

They should top the group and then it'll likely be between Denmark just ahead of Peru for second spot.

Likely qualifiers: France and Denmark

GROUP D

Argentina, Iceland, Croatia, Nigeria

It is certainly expected that Argentina will top this group, with Croatia and Nigeria set to compete for the spot behind them.

Iceland may have performed incredibly at Euro 2016 but they'll really have to go some to get out of this group.

Likely qualifiers: Argentina and Croatia

GROUP E

Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Serbia

This should be a cruise for Brazil, who are arguably favourites to win the whole thing given their form in qualifying.

Switzerland would probably have the edge on Costa Rica and Serbia to make it through in second spot.

Likely qualifiers: Brazil and Switzerland

GROUP F

Germany, Mexico, Sweden, South Korea

You can't imagine too many headaches for the reigning champions Germany but it might have been an easier draw.

Behind them, it should be Mexico but both Sweden and South Korea will fancy their chances of sneaking into second.

Likely qualifiers: Germany and Mexico

GROUP G

Belgium, Panama, Tunisia, England

A pretty favourable draw for England despite the travel involved to play in Volgograd, Nizhny Novgorod and Kaliningrad.

They should make it through alongside Belgium in whatever order. Their meeting on June 28 should decide who tops the group.

Likely qualifiers: Belgium and England

GROUP H

Poland, Senegal, Colombia, Japan

This is certainly an intriguing group and there are plenty of traps for the supposed top seed Poland.

It should be Colombia that make it through with them into the last-16, but Senegal and Japan will fancy their chances.

Likely qualifiers: Poland and Colombia

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