The Analysis

Mexico home advantage decisive. S.Korea capable. Czechia and South Africa making up numbers. Mexico and S.Korea to advance.

Switzerland underrated dark horse. Canada with home crowd powerful. Bosnia aging. Qatar eliminated quickly.

One of the tougher groups in this format. Brazil favoured but injury-hit; Morocco are 2022 semifinalists and could push for 1st. Scotland's first World Cup since 1998.

USA home advantage + Pulisic quality. Turkey tactical and organised. Paraguay dangerous. Australia for 3rd-place route.

Germany should dominate. Ecuador surprise contender (5 goals conceded in qualifying). Ivory Coast physical threat. Curaçao fodder.

Japan beat Spain + Germany in 2022 and could threaten Netherlands. Simons absence key. Sweden + Isak dangerous. One of the trickiest groups.

Belgium should progress. Egypt's X-factor is Salah – could be in prime form at 34. Iran and New Zealand making up numbers.

Spain's kindest possible draw. Romp the group. Uruguay (Nunez, Valverde) dangerous for 2nd. Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde outclassed.

Most exciting group. France favoured. Norway's Haaland vs Senegal's Mane/Jackson is a genuine showdown for 2nd. Iraq irrelevant.

Argentina gifted the most comfortable draw of the top seeds. Messi coasts through group stage. Austria vs Algeria for 2nd real fight.

Portugal comfortable but Colombia is a real test (Caicedo, L.Diaz). Colombia vs Portugal likely decisive. DR Congo and Uzbekistan outclassed.

England strongest in group. Croatia's Modric final WC – expect motivation. Ghana (Partey) could surprise. Panama no chance.