Top 5 European teams who will feature in the 2018 World Cup

#2 Germany

Germany 2014 FIFA World Cup Final

The reigning champs, although still robust, have taken a step back from 2014. Considering youngster Joshua Kimmich is not at Philipp Lahm's level yet, and Bastian Schweinsteiger won't participate in this World Cup, which represents a difference from the 2014 World Cup-winning team.

The main topic in Germany's quest for the title in Russia is the probability law. Thirteen World Cup championships passed by since the last time a national team was able to defend their title (Brazil in 1962) successfully.

With Joachim Löw as the coach for the third straight World Cup, Germany's hope lays at Toni Kroos' feet. The Real Madrid defender comes off of another UEFA Champions League title with Real Madrid, and his right foot remains as one of the most prolific in the world.

A solid defence, highlighted by Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng, an excellent offensive scheme thanks to their pieces in the midfield and forwards like Thomas Müller (10 goals in the WC), Timo Werner, Marco Reus and Mario Gómez, there's only one doubt about Germany's starting team: the goalkeeper.

The doubt isn't on Löw's mind since he already announced Manuel Neuer as the starting 'keeper.

Neuer is one of the greatest goalkeepers of all-time but with his little time of play last year and Barcelona's Marc-André ter Stegen great performance to help the Catalans reach the La Liga title make the decision a tough one.

Talking about decisions, Löw cut off Manchester City's skilful winger Leroy Sané. That choice was a shocker since Sané had his best season so far under Pep Guardiola with 14 goals and 19 assists in 47 matches, and winning the English Premier League in a runaway fashion.

Germany will play in Group F with México, Sweden, and South Korea.