The top challengers are usually understood, but there are always a few dark horses in the running for every major tournament.
With 32 teams taking part it can be difficult to predict a winner, but some teams are inevitably better equipped than others when it comes to personnel.
spain:-The 2010 world champions Spain are not the same Furia Roja that dominated international football from 2008 to 2012, but, with players such as Sergio Ramos, Diego Costa and Andres Iniesta at their disposal, they remain one of the most fearsome teams in the world.
Five-time champions Brazil had been installed as favourites after matchday one, but Neymar and Co. have slipped behind Spain at 9/2 after failing to impress sufficiently in the opening two games against Switzerland and Costa Rica. Tite's men are in a tight group and face a crunch clash against Serbia as they look to secure their place in the knockout round.
Reigning champions Germany took a hit following their shock defeat to Mexico in their opening match and have subsequently seen their odds lengthen to 15/2, but a win. Joachim Low's side, which still features a host of stars from the 2014 triumph, will now aim to win their last game in Group F against South Korea to reach the last 16.
For years now pundits have observed that the only thing Lionel Messi needs to cement his status as the best player in football history is the World Cup. The Barcelona star was a beaten finalist in 2014 but the outlook does not look particularly good for 2018. Argentina's qualification campaign almost ended in disaster and they needed a moment of Messi magic in the last game to secure their place at the tournament.
They are now priced at 20/1 to win the tournament, odds that have lengthened following their disappointing draw against Iceland and their shock defeat to Croatia. However, Nigeria's victory over Iceland means they are still in with a chance of getting out of the group.
WHAT YOU THINK?
WHAT YOU THINK?
WHAT YOU THINK?
WHAT YOU THINK?
WHAT YOU THINK?
