The Confederations Cup is in full swing, and that can only mean one thing – the World Cup is coming into focus. Russia 2018 is already shaping up to a be an enormous event full of spectacular football, and aside from the obvious security worries, it should be a fantastic occasion full of colour, excitement and some really entertaining football.
But which teams look like they already have one foot on Russian soil? Let’s examine.
#1 Brazil
Having lost just once in qualifying so far, Brazil were the first team to secure automatic qualification to the 2018 World Cup. Sitting atop their group, nine points clear of second-placed Colombia, the Selecao strode to an easy pole position and never looked back, while Argentina still look in a little bit of trouble further down the table.
Boasting the likes of Neymar Jr, Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Jesus, this Brazil squad has all the necessary talents to produce a few more moments of magic on the road to the finals, but one can be sure that when they get there, the fun will really start.
They have not won the biggest competition in international football since 2002 when a Ronaldo Nazario-led team beat Germany in the final. Having performed below-par the last few occasions, they will be eager to come back roaring and playing with that samba rhythm once again.
After all, it’s not a World Cup party unless the Brazilians are in town.
#2 Iran
Becoming only the second team to confirm their place in Russia, the unlikely Iran did so with a recent 2-0 victory over Uzbekistan.
Having extended their lead over their third-placed group rivals to an insurmountable eight points, Iran sealed their route to the finals, thereby avoiding the potential heartbreak and exhaustive nature of a play-off later on down the road.
Clocking up 20 points, scoring eight and conceding none to date, the Iranian side have developed into a shrewd, clinical one that could nick points from bigger teams with their blend of defensive nous and attacking precision.
This will become their fifth-ever appearance at a World Cup finals.
Although it will take something special for them to progress past the group stage for the first time, having never done it before, they are among Asia’s best – currently placed 30th on FIFA’s World Ranking system – so they will fancy their chances.
#3 Germany
It’s no surprise that reigning world champions Germany are on course to qualify and although they haven’t yet done so, it really is only a matter of time. Essentially an ever-present, from 1954 onwards, a German team has always qualified for the World Cup finals.
Boasting a mean defence, having conceded just one goal (unbeaten thus far) en route to top spot in Group C ahead of Northern Ireland and the Czech Republic, Joachim Loew’s troops are also an offensive machine having netted 27 times.
They will be one of the favourites for the competition – and despite being without the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philip Lahm – their Confederations Cup preparations prove that the future is bright.
Loew has assembled a squad of young and very talented players to spearhead a new generation for Germany, such as Julian Brandt and Julian Draxler. So, alongside the likes of Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller and Toni Kroos they ought to have the perfect blend of youth and experience when they do eventually RSVP to Russia 2018.
Who knows – they might even claim their fifth crown.
#4 Poland
On course to complete their eighth appearance at a World Cup finals, Poland already look ready to compete.
Sitting proudly atop Group E, ahead of both Montenegro and Denmark (their nearest rivals for top spot), Poland are, well...in pole position.
Unbeaten so far this campaign, Adam Nawalka’s charges will be eager to wrap up their progress with a couple more wins – do that and they will be able to really start planning heir tactics and preparations.
The goal-scoring exploits of Robert Lewandowski, who recently pocketed a splendid hat-trick against Romania, will be key to their hopes next summer so all eyes will be on his ability to stay fit once the club football calendar flips into action come August and September.
#5 Belgium
Will this finally be the year the ever-promising Belgians finally deliver on their talent by claiming a piece of international silverware?
Time will tell, of course, but the signs, as usual, are pretty positive that Les Diables Rouges can go all the way.
Also unbeaten in World Cup qualifying, Belgium are in first place in Group H, ahead of nearest rivals Greece and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Having conceded just two goals so far, scoring 24 along the way, Belgium look in good shape both offensively and defensively, plus they have a core group of veritable superstars who will be expected to produce moments of class.
With clinical striker Romelu Lukaku and creative winger Eden Hazard fit and fresh, their expected 13th appearance could see them equal their fourth-place, best-ever finish, from Mexico 1986 and they might even get their hands on the famous golden trophy.
