These are the most fancied countries with hours to go before Russia 2018 gets under way:
BRAZIL
What are they famous for?
Winning. Samba football, bright yellow shirts.
Actually much sharper defensively these days than previously. No chance they will concede seven in a match as against Germany in the 2014 semi-final.
Man to watch?
Neymar. True global superstar, just back from a metatarsal injury, Brazil need him to stay on the pitch from a disciplinary point of view too (six yellow cards in the qualifying competition).
Can they win?
Yes. Narrow favourites with the bookies to buck the historical trend that the winners tend to come from the continent where the finals are staged.
GERMANY
What are they famous for?
Consistency, improvement during the tournament, penalty shoot-out successes over England.
Man to watch?
Joshua Kimmich. Raiding right-back from Bayern Munich. Can help spark Germany into life if, as sometimes, they begin sluggishly.
Capable of scoring spectacularly.
Can they win?
Of course. But they lack a real star goalscorer and no country has retained the Cup since Brazil in 1962.
SPAIN
What are they famous for?
Blowing it. Glorious and deserved winners in 2010, otherwise regular World Cup under-performers. Crashed out at the group stage last time.
Man to watch?
David de Gea. The Manchester United goalkeeper is the world's best.
Can they win?
Hmm. Full of talent, but some of their top men might be past their best, and internal rivalries could be a factor (Real Madrid and Barcelona factions split even more than usual by the Catalan independence issue).
FRANCE
What are they famous for?
Unpredictability. In 14 appearances, they've been in the final quartet four times, but have also gone out in the group stage on seven occasions.
Man to watch?
Antoine Griezmann is as clinical a goalscorer as you'll find, with a handy habit of delivering on the big stage.
Can they win?
Yes. Young, exciting, improving.
ARGENTINA
What are they famous for?
Choking. Beaten in the 2014 final and in all four Copa America finals they've reached in the last 25 years
Man to watch?
Lionel Messi. Mesmerising, magnificent Messi. Aged 31, it's now or never on the global stage for the Barcelona magician.
Can they win?
Depends if their wonderful firepower (Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Manchester City's Sergio Aguero have 133 international goals between them) outweighs possible creaks further back. Debatable.
BELGIUM
What are they famous for?
Being English fans' second team, packed as they are with Premier League talent
Man to watch?
Kevin de Bruyne. Manchester City's star midfielder may need to be de-facto leader as well if his club-mate Vincent Kompany's fragile body lets him down once again.
Can they win?
Unlikely. Could be the last chance for Belgium's golden generation, also including Chelsea's Eden Hazard and Manchester United's Romelu Lukaku. They've gone out in the quarter finals of the last two big tournaments … and they may well face Brazil at that stage this time.
ENGLAND
What are they famous for?
Losing penalty shoot-outs. Generally against Germany or Portugal.
Man to watch?
Harry Kane. If England are to prosper, the captain - coveted by the very best clubs - simply has to be among the goals. Omens are good - six goals from five starts leading his country.
Can they win?
Hard to imagine. Football has been more creative under Gareth Southgate and the attack carries a speedy threat, but lack of experience and defensive solidity is a concern.
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