FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Group A
Russia
Saudi Arabia
Egypt
Uruguay
The hosts, the lowest-ranked team in the tourney, drew the second-lowest, Saudi Arabia, for their first game. Conspiracy theorists, discuss.
Group B
Portugal
Spain
Morocco
Iran
The dark horse of the field: Morocco didn't give up a goal in its final six qualifiers.
Group C
France
Australia
Peru
Denmark
Out of a relatively easy group, France is the favorite to win it all.
Group D
Argentina
Iceland
Croatia
Nigeria
The world's favorite underdog drew a killer group—and an opening match against Lionel Messi and Argentina.
Group E
Brazil
Switzerland
Costa Rica
Serbia
Brazil romped through its qualifiers, but have the scars from a humiliating 7--1 loss to Germany in '14 healed?
Group F
Germany
Mexico
Sweden
South Korea
If Germany wins the group, Mexico could face Brazil in the second round, a bad matchup for El Tri.
Group G
Belgium
Panama
Tunisia
England
Talented, to be sure, but will Belgium continue to underperform when it counts?
Group H
Poland
Senegal
Colombia
Japan
Senegal could join Egypt and Nigeria as African nations in the knockout round.