2018 FIFA World Cup: Group-by-group analysis
After roughly three years of qualifying, involving 871 games around the globe, we have the final 32 teams that will be contesting in Russia for the most coveted trophy in World football. The 32 countries that are headed to Russia next summer have learned their group fates today.
The 2018 World Cup draw took place at Kremlin on Friday in front of some of the superstars of World football including Diego Maradona, Cafu, Fabio Cannavaro, Carlos Puyol, Laurent Blanc, Diego Forlan and Miroslav Klose.
The 32 nations are divided into four pots of eight as given below and 1 team from each pot will go into each of the eight groups.
Pot 1: Russia, Germany, Brazil, Portugal, Argentina, Belgium, Poland, France
Pot 2: Spain, Switzerland, England, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, Croatia, Peru
Pot 3: Iceland, Costa Rica, Sweden, Tunisia, Egypt, Senegal, Iran, Denmark
Pot 4: Nigeria, Australia, Japan, Morocco, Panama, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Serbia
Let's have an in-depth look at each of the group.
Group A
Teams (ranking): Uruguay (21), Egypt (31), Saudi Arabia (63), Russia (65)
Locations: Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow; Central Stadium, Yekaterinburg; Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg; Rostov Arena, Rostov-on-Don; Cosmos Arena, Samara; Volgograd Arena, Volgograd
Matchdays: 14 June, 15 June, 19 June, 20 June, 25 June
Host Russia plays the opening game of the World Cup against Saudi Arabia at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow. They are both the lowest ranked teams in the competition and a must-win game for Russia to have any hopes of qualifying for the round of 16.
Uruguay is too good a team to miss out on last 16, leaving Russia and Egypt to fight for the second spot in Group A. 2010 African champions Egypt will be making their appearance after 12 years and Russia holds the edge in their battle, courtesy home conditions.
Saudi Arabia may have to settle for the 4th spot.
Key Fixtures: Uruguay vs Russia and Egypt vs Uruguay
Prediction: Expect Uruguay and Russia to reach the knockout stage.
1) Uruguay (Q)
2) Russia (Q)
3) Egypt
4) Saudi Arabia