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We understand it's too early to predict the victors for the buzzworthy FIFA World Cup 2018, which is to be held in Russia, and that there are always dark horses galloping in the tournament, but there are few teams which do come to the fore whenever you conjure up the image of the much-coveted, gold-plated World Cup trophy.
This article has not only taken into account the most probable lineups for each team but also the way they have fared in the competition in the years gone by.
So without further ado, let's take a look at the top 5 contenders for the FIFA World Cup 2018.
#5 Argentina
Many believe that the only chink in Lionel Messi's glittering armor is the absence of the World Cup trophy. The 30-year-old has won well-nigh everything at the club-level with FC Barcelona, but the absence of an international trophy continues to prey on his mind.
The last time La Albiceleste managed to get their mitts on the World Cup trophy was a long way back in 1986 due to Diego Maradona's commendable performances. They did come close to winning the trophy in the last World Cup but were routed by Germany in the final.
Jorge Sampaoli has chosen a workable squad for the upcoming World Cup which can pose a serious threat to other participating teams. On the front, they have Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala and the talismanic Lionel Messi. In midfield, Argentina possesses Angel Di Maria, Ever Banega and Lucas Biglia. The team also has a well-grounded defense which includes the likes of Nicolas Otamendi, Marcos Rojo and Javier Mascherano with Willy Caballero manning the posts.
As such, Argentina will leave no stone unturned to call a halt to their 32-year World Cup drought.
#4 Spain
The 2010 World Cup winners were shockingly ruled out of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in the group stages only after suffering two opening defeats against Netherlands and Chile respectively.
This year, they have been placed in Group B alongside the Euro 2016 champions Portugal, Morocco, and Iran. Similar to the previous World Cup, passing the group stages will definitely not be a five-finger exercise for La Roja.
Julen Lopetegui has chosen a squad alive with world-beaters, despite having left a number of notables out in the cold. This includes the famed Chelsea quartet of Alvaro Morata, Cesc Fabregas, Pedro and Marcos Alonso along with other names such as Juan Mata, Vitolo and Paco Alcacer.
The side will sparkle with Isco, Marcio Asensio, Lucas Vazquez, Iago Aspas and Diego Costa up front. The core of the playing field will be guarded by Sergio Busquets, Saul Niquez, Koke, Thiago Alcantara, Andres Iniesta and David Silva. Spiking the enemy's guns at the back will be Dani Carvajal, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Nacho, Cesar Azpilicueta and Jordi Alba with David de Gea between the sticks.
Lopetegui's men will have to work like Trojans if they wish to clone their historic 2010 triumph.
#3 France
The one major success in the World Cup for France came in 1998 when they clobbered Brazil 3-0 in the all-important final. After that, the only time they came close to winning the trophy was in 2006 when they were outplayed by Italy in the penalties.
This year, France has a ludicrous squad depth, despite a handful of leading lights failing to make the cut.
Guarding the goal will be the skipper himself, Hugo Lloris, with two excellent backups in the shape of Alphonse Areola and Steve Mandanda. For the back four, Didier Deschamps has a good number of world-class defenders at his disposal which includes Lucas Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe, Benjamin Mendy, Adil Rami, Samuel Umtiti and the recent Champions League winner, Raphael Varane.
The midfield also includes the likes of N'Golo Kante, Blaise Matuidi, Steven N'Zonzi, Paul Pogba, Corentin Tolisso and Ousmane Dembele with a star-spangled attacking unit comprising Nabil Fekir, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Thomas Lemar and Kylian Mbappe.
With such a phenomenal squad depth, Les Bleus stand a good chance of procuring the World Cup trophy.
#2 Brazil
The five-time World Cup champions will be seen plying their trade once again in the competition after an ignominious departure from the last World Cup at the hands of Germany.
The Seleção have been posited in Group E alongside Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia. Dominating the group would patently not be a problem for the team.
Since the 1-7 semi-final defeat on 8 July 2014 at the Estádio Mineirão stadium, Brazil have axed two managers namely Luis Felipe Scolari and Carlos Dunga and it would be Adenor Leonardo Bacchi aka Tite who will be at the helm for the upcoming campaign.
The star-studded squad is most assuredly a force to be reckoned with. Gabriel Jesus, Roberto Firmino, and the wunderkind Neymar will lead the side from the front. The midfield also has some big names which consist of Casemiro, Fernandinho, Paulinho, Philippe Coutinho, Willian and Douglas Costa.
At the back, we will be able to see Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Marcelo, and Danilo with Ederson and Alisson locking horns over the goalkeeper position.
With such a tigerish squad and bankable history, Brazil will be perilously looking forward to their sixth World Cup triumph.
#1 Germany
Having etched their name on the 2014 World Cup trophy, Germany is being tipped as the favorites for the fast-approaching World Cup. With 8 finals and 4 championships to hinge on, Die Mannschaft are arguably the most successful team to have ever stepped in the tournament.
Joachim Löw's side has been paired in Group F, nicknamed as the "Group of Death", alongside South Korea, Sweden, and Mexico. However, as it appears, the number 1 ranked team will not find it hard to overcome the group stages.
Germany recently won the Confederations Cup with their second-string team in a grand fashion, which itself speaks of their squad depth. They have a standout defense boasting the likes of Jerome Boateng, Matthias Ginter, Mats Hummels, Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rudiger and Niklas Sule.
To add to it, they also have an athletic midfield with Julian Draxler, Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos and Mesut Ozil to name a few. On top of that, Löw has chosen a stellar attack comprising Marco Reus, Leroy Sane, Timo Werner and Thomas Muller.
Under the circumstances, Die Mannschaft will most likely be able to reproduce their 2014 triumph and consequently, clinch their fifth World Cup title!
