1. Brazil

Brazil is the best team on the planet at this point. It’s frightening how good the team was during the CONMEBOL qualification process (which is no joke). Over 17 matches Brazil won 14 games and drew three (no losses). Even more stunning, manager Tite’s team allowed five goals over a 17-match span (scoring 40 during the same time period).

We know all about Neymar’s ability on the ball. However, this iteration of Seleção has a plethora of young and exciting players in the attack (Raphinha, Vini Junior, Richarlison, Bruno, Gabi Jesus). Duly, they’re buoyed by steel in the midfield (Casemiro, Fabinho) and veteran leadership at the back (Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, Alisson).

2. France

The reigning World Cup champions are still a mega threat to repeat in Qatar. The roster/spine of the team remain relatively the same. Still, there will be some questions as to the overall age of the team. By November, both Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante will be in their 30’s. Antoine Griezmann will be 32, Olivier Giroud will be 36, and Karim Benzema will be approaching his 35th birthday.

It could benefit Les Bleus to integrate some younger options into the side in order to compensate for the packed schedule/hotter climate. Leipzig attacking player Christopher Nkunku could be one of those guys — especially since he’s been lighting up the Bundesliga. With all of that said, the team still has arguably the world’s best player in Kylian Mbappe. France should be fine as it presumably heads towards the Quarterfinals with relative ease.

3. Argentina

Is this it for Lionel Messi? By all accounts, this could be the last chance for the icon to help his nation win that elusive World Cup which previously slipped through his fingers. Based upon the team’s run up until this point, it could be Argentina’s most talented team we’ve seen in years.

No longer are they exclusively reliant upon Messi’s ability to create magic out of nothing. On the contrary — this roster is flush with attacking talent. The midfield is as deep as it’s been in years, and the defensive unit is rock-solid. Argentina should have no trouble getting out of this group versus a decent Poland side and rival Mexico.

4. Germany

Hansi Flick has reinvigorated this team with a plethora of new ideas and a host of inexperienced talent. Riding a nine-game unbeaten streak, we’re seeing fixtures from the past (Thomas Muller, Manuel Neuer) woven in with the emerging talents of Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, and Robin Koch.

Of course, you’ve still got Joshua Kimmich, Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry, Antonio Rudiger, and others firmly embedded within the squad. Though Group E is no picnic, Germany should be able to advance. When collectively looking at its roster, Germany may be the most complete team in Europe at this present time.

5. Spain

There might not be another national team possessing a future as bright as Spain’s. Two of their primary fixtures in the midfield (Pedri, Gavi) are both under the age of 20. Pedri in particular is undoubtedly set to become the next world class player representing La Roja. His understanding of the game is phenomenal — as is his ability on the ball.

This Spanish side will assume the role as the heavy-possession team. It’ll wear you out chasing the ball before one delicately weighted pass cuts you open — thus relinquishing a scoring chance. A key for Spain is aiming to figure out who will be the lead scoring option up front. Ferran Torres might be up to the challenge.

6. England

This is a FASCINATING group on a number of levels. Just from a storylines standpoint, England will be going up against a country (United States) which has heavily been influenced by its soccer culture (not to mention the whole Revolutionary War thing). When analyzing Geopolitics and past history, Iran also has a heavy bone to pick with England. The same can be said for Scotland (if it advances through the playoff). Heck, even Wales would relish the opportunity to play England.

On the pitch, England should be the Group B winners. It has the deepest collection of talent, and also has the momentum of making the EURO 2020 final. With that said, none of these opponents will be fearing England. The Three Lions have a habit of pooping the bed in major tournaments. Also, it’ll be interesting to see whether Gareth Southgate opts for a highly conservative tactical approach…or if he’ll allow his young talent to actually play free-flowing football.

7. Belgium

This Belgian ‘Golden Generation’ likely will end at the conclusion of this tournament. Of the expected Starting XI, almost every single member will be at least age 30 by the time November rolls around. This is not ideal when playing three matches in seven days. High-end talent is littered throughout the squad. However, we could envision a scenario in which Belgium collapses under the pressure. They are the favorites to advance from a somewhat tricky group.

Despite that, don’t be shocked if they crash out in the group stage. The trio of Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, and Kevin de Bruyne will be asked yet again to carry this side. If there’s a young name to watch for, keep an eye on speedy winger Jeremy Doku.

8. Uruguay

No one wants to face Uruguay in a World Cup setting. The pedigree from this tiny nation of less than four million people is utterly astounding. Ever since letting go of longtime manager Oscar Tabarez, the team flew up the CONMEBOL table en route to qualifying outright for the tournament.

You’re going to be up against an organized side with guile, intelligence, energy, and ruthlessness in the final third. We’ve still got veterans Diego Godin, Luis Suarez, Fernando Muslera, and Edinson Cavani as fixtures within the group. However, Real Madrid man Fede Valverde is a fantastic midfielder. Striker Darwin Nunez also is likely the next great star for La Celeste. Lastly, defensive midfielder Lucas Torreira is among the best at his position in Serie A. Don’t be surprised if Uruguay tops this group.

9. Netherlands

In the last calendar year, Netherlands has lost only once in its last 17 matches. Louis van Gaal has this team playing with a considerable amount of confidence at the moment. The duo of Memphis and upstart striker Donyell Malen is highly intriguing. The trio of Atalanta players (Hans Hateboer, Marten de Roon, Teun Koopmeiners) offers nice depth next to captain Gini Wijnaldum.

The group really is for Holland’s taking. Qatar is the worst of the Pot 1 teams, and the Netherlands should be favored versus Ecuador and Senegal (though both are tough opponents). It’s quite possible Holland could be squaring off versus the United States in the round of 16.

10. Portugal

Thanks to a monumental collapse from European Champions Italy, Portugal finds itself backing into the World Cup in what likely will be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last appearance in the competition. This is not a team without talent — though it’s not exactly lived up to its potential.

Bruno Fernandes is the straw that stirs the drink of the offensive attack. Diogo Jota, Andre Silva, and Joao Felix are all highly dangerous in the final third. The defense is a bit long in the tooth. If there’s one area to exploit Portugal, it could come in the backline.

11. Denmark

You should not sleep on Denmark. There’s talent littered throughout the team — and it’s a very manageable group for the Danes to get through. Christian Eriksen made an emotional return to international/club football following his horrifying cardiac arrest episode last year (on the pitch). Now plying his trade for Brentford, he’s starting to round into form.

The midfield is deep with talent — led by the likes of Eriksen, Thomas Delaney, Emile Pierre-Hojbjerg, and rising star Mikkel Damsgaard. Up top, it’s not an easy proposition to deal with the likes of Kasper Dolberg, Yusuf Poulsen, and Jonas Wind (among others). Assuming Denmark can get through to the knockout stages, it will not be a team anyone will want to see.

12. Serbia

Many people are pegging Serbia as a major darkhorse in this tournament — and for good reason. The striker pair up top featuring Dusan Vlahovic and Aleksandar Mitrovic is damn good. For good measure, Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic is normally considered the third option. In the midfield, the creative Dusan Tadic (of Ajax) pulls the strings with his ability to create for others. When looking at the roster as a whole, much of it plays in the top-five leagues (Italy, England, France, Germany, Spain).

This roster is well-balanced with veteran leadership and a number of very hungry, young players looking to emerge. Vlahovic is good enough to carry Serbia a long ways in this tournament. The group isn’t easy — as Serbia will have to get past a tricky Swiss side. However, Serbia does have the makeup of a team (at minimum) in the knockout stage.

13. Croatia

This appears to be a much more difficult group than on the surface. While Belgium is considered to be the prohibitive favorite, there are some warts which could cause an early exit (more on them later). Morocco has a very talented group of players. However, arguably their two best (Hakim Ziyech, Noussair Mazraoui) are currently quarreling with the federation. It’s not a guarantee either will play by November. Canada brings loads of youth and excitement — yet lack the depth and experience to make a serious run.

All the while, Croatia operates as the most consistent team in this grouping. There are some questions — especially when it comes to the collective age of the squad. Stalwart Luka Modric will be age 37 when the tournament kicks off, and much of the core is above the age of 30. However, the Croats are rock-solid tactically and technically. They should be able to advance.

14. Senegal

Senegal has to like how this group evolved. The Lions of Teranga narrowly got into the field after besting Egypt on penalties. Manager Aliou Cisse has done a terrific job in building the squad with a strong defensive spine. Of course, the leaders of the bunch include Chelsea GK Edouard Mendy and Napoli CB Kalidou Koulibaly. The midfield possesses talents from PSG (Idrissa Gueye) and Leicester City (Nampalys Mendy). Up top, Watford speedster Ismalia Sarr is buoyed by Villarreal winger Boulaye Dia.

However, the cream of the crop comes with Liverpool winger Sadio Mane. He is the danger man for Senegal — and is often the player it builds around for creation of scoring chances. Simply put, this is a dangerous side. No one will want to see them in a knockout stage situation. They could give either England or the United States a lot of trouble in the Round of 16.

15. United States

This is a manageable draw for the United States. It should be favored in two of the three matches. Duly, it will not need to defeat England at all (and nabbing a draw is somewhat feasible). Of course, Christian Pulisic will be the headlining name within this group. When combining the average age of every team at the tournament, the U.S. will be the youngest group in Qatar.

It will be fascinating to see how manager Gregg Berhalter addresses the goalkeeper position. It’s anyone’s guess as to who will start (between Man City’s Zack Steffen, Arsenal’s Matt Turner, and Nottingham Forest’s Ethan Horvath). The center back pairing is also a question mark. Wolfsburg CB John Brooks has been jettisoned of late — though he still represents the most talented player technically at the position in the pool. Regardless, this should be an exciting group to watch. Aside from Pulisic, the eyes of many fans will be watching the exuberant trio featuring Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund), Weston McKennie (Juventus), and Sergino Dest (FC Barcelona).

16. Switzerland

Switzerland is a mid-level European side with the upside of a team making the Quarterfinals. It lacks the high-end talent to advance further than that. However, it’s a group with considerable continuity and familiarity with one another. Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka still remain as key cogs in the midfield. Juve midfielder Denis Zakaria adds some much-needed athleticism and mettle to the group.

This could represent the last major tournament for many of the ‘old guard’ within this team. As such, you’ll see a highly motivated Swiss side. Unfortunately for them, the group is far from easy. Brazil is, well…Brazil. Serbia boasts a lot of ability, and Cameroon is a complete wildcard.