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Friday, 9 September 2022

Legends League Cricket 2022 Squads & Schedule | Road Safety World Series Squads & Schedule 2022 | LLC T20 vs RSWS 2022

Hello folks !

We are back again with another cricketing post in this T20 season, as Asia Cup Cricket 2022 T20 coming to an end, we are entering another cycle of cricket with CPL T20 taking place in Caribbeans and World T20 Cricket Cup around the corner, scheduled to take place in Australia.

With all said and done, our old sunny days cricketing legends are also back on the field in this month of September 2022. 

The 2nd season of star studded ROAD SAFETY WORLD SERIES 2022 🏏 is announced and commencing on 10th September 2022 with Sachin Tendulkar led India Legends teaming up against Jonty Rhodes South african Legends, with final match scheduled to be played on 1st October 2022. It will be telecasted on Viacom18 channels, viz. Sports18 khel, Colors Cineplex, Colors Superhit, voot.


Besides RSWS 2022, we have one more league making debut in franchise based Cricket world, yes, you read it right, it's LEGENDS LEAGUE CRICKET T20 🏏 abbreviated as LLCT20. It will be telecasted by Star Network in India.

Today we will provide you full details about Teams and squads playing in both the Leagues and also schedule of both the leagues in PDF format below 👇🏼

Road Safety World Series 2022 Squads and Scheule : Click Here for PDF

Legends League Cricket Series 2022 Squads and Scheule : Click Here for PDF


ROAD SAFETY WORLD SERIES 2022 CRICKET SQUADS




LEGENDS LEAGUE CRICKET 2022 SQUADS



SCHEDULES




Image Source :
Official Twitter Handle LLC T20
Official Twitter Handle RSWS 2022
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Friday, 18 February 2022

ਜਾਣੋ ਕਿਹੜੇ ਪ੍ਰਮੁੱਖ ਉਮੀਦਵਾਰ ਅਜਮਾ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ ਆਪਣੀ ਕਿਸਮਤ 117 ਪੰਜਾਬ ਵਿਧਾਨ ਸਭਾ ਸੀਟਾਂ ਉੱਤੇ

ਪੰਜਾਬ ਵਿੱਚ 20 ਫਰਵਰੀ ਨੂੰ ਹੋਣ ਜਾ ਰਹੀਆਂ ਵਿਧਾਨ ਸਭਾ ਚੋਣਾਂ ਲਈ ਚੋਣ ਪ੍ਰਚਾਰ 18 ਫਰਵਰੀ ਦਿਨ ਸ਼ੁੱਕਰਵਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਸ਼ਾਮ 6 ਵਜੇ ਰੁਕ ਜਾਵੇਗਾ।


ਇਸ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਕਿਸੇ ਵੀ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਰੈਲੀਆਂ ਜਾਂ ਮੀਟਿੰਗਾਂ ’ਤੇ ਮੁਕੰਮਲ ਪਾਬੰਦੀ ਰਹੇਗੀ। ਪ੍ਰਚਾਰ ਖ਼ਤਮ ਹੋਣ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਓਪਨ ਪ੍ਰਚਾਰ ’ਤੇ ਪੂਰੀ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਪਾਬੰਦੀ ਹੋਵੇਗੀ, ਕਿਸੇ ਨੂੰ ਖੁੱੱਲ੍ਹੀ ਜੀਪ ਜਾਂ ਮੋਟਰਸਾਈਕਲ ’ਤੇ ਝੁੰਡ ਬਣਾ ਕੇ ਪ੍ਰਚਾਰ ਦੀ ਆਗਿਆ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੋਵੇਗੀ। 


18 ਫਰਵਰੀ ਸ਼ਾਮ 6 ਵਜੇ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਰੇਡੀਓ, ਟੈਲੀਵਿਜ਼ਨ ਸਮੇਤ ਕਿਸੇ ਵੀ ਅਜਿਹੇ ਸਾਧਨਾਂ ’ਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਚਾਰ ਨਹੀਂ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਾ ਸਕੇਗਾ। 19 ਅਤੇ 20 ਫਰਵਰੀ ਨੂੰ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼ਿਤ ਹੋਣ ਵਾਲੀਆਂ ਅਖ਼ਬਾਰਾਂ ਵਿਚ ਇਸ਼ਤਿਹਾਰ ਦੇਣ ਤੋਂ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਚੋਣਾਂ ’ਚ ਹਿੱਸਾ ਲੈਣ ਵਾਲੀਆਂ ਪਾਰਟੀਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਉਮੀਦਵਾਰ ਚੋਣ ਦਫ਼ਤਰ ਦੀ ਪ੍ਰਵਾਨਗੀ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਆਪਣੇ ਇਸ਼ਤਿਹਾਰ ਛਪਵਾ ਸਕਦੇ ਹਨ। 


ਇਸ ਵਾਰ 4 ਪ੍ਰਮੁੱਖ ਰਾਜਨੀਤਕ ਦਲਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਇਲਾਵਾ ਕਿਸਾਨ ਜਥੇਵੰਦੀਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਸ਼੍ਰੋਮਣੀ ਅਕਾਲੀ ਦਲ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਸਰ ਵੀ ਚੁਣਾਵੀ ਮੈਦਾਨ ਵਿਚ ਹਨ। 

DOWNLOAD  PDF

ਅੱਜ ਅਸੀਂ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਲਈ ਸਾਰੇ ਰਾਜਨੀਤਕ ਦਲਾਂ ਦੇ ਉਮੀਦਵਾਰਾਂ ਦੀ ਲਿਸਟ ਲੈ ਕੇ ਆਏ ਹਾਂ ਜਿਸਨੂੰ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਉਪਰ ਦਿੱਤੇ DOWNLOAD PDF ਲਿੰਕ ਤੇ ਕਲਿੱਕ ਕਰਕੇ ਡਾਊਨਲੋਡ ਕਰ ਸਕਦੇ ਹੋ।


ਉਪਰੋਕਤ ਤੋਂ ਇਲਾਵਾ ਸ਼੍ਰੋਮਣੀ ਅਕਾਲੀ ਦਲ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਸਰ (ਮਾਨ) ਪਾਰਟੀ ਨੇ ਵੀ ਇਸ ਵਾਰ ਆਪਣੇ ਉਮੀਦਵਾਰ ਮੈਦਾਨ ਵਿਚ ਉਤਾਰੇ ਹਨ, ਜਿਸਦੀ ਪੂਰੀ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਹੇਠ ਦਿੱਤੇ ਲਿੰਕ ਉਪਰ ਮੌਜੂਦ ਹੈ

 Click here  -  Candidates List SAD (Amritsar)

ਉਮੀਦਵਾਰਾਂ ਦੀ ਸੂਚੀ ਦੇਖਣ ਲਈ ਇੱਥੇ ਕਲਿਕ ਕਰੋ


ਵਿਧਾਨ ਸਭਾ ਚੋਣਾਂ ਵਿਚ ਕਿਸਾਨ ਅੰਦੋਲਨ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਹੋਂਦ ਵਿਚ ਆਏ 22 ਜਥੇਵੰਦੀਆਂ ਦਾ ਸੰਯੁਕਤ ਸਮਾਜ ਮੋਰਚਾ ਅਤੇ ਸੰਯੁਕਤ ਸੰਘਰਸ਼ ਪਾਰਟੀ ਦੀ ਅਗੁਵਾਈ ਬਲਬੀਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਰਾਜੇਵਾਲ ਅਤੇ ਗੁਰਨਾਮ ਸਿੰਘ ਚਡੂਨੀ, ਤਰਤੀਬਵਾਰ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਕੀਤੀ ਜਾ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ, ਜਿਸਨੂੰ ਕਿ ਆਮ ਆਦਮੀ ਪਾਰਟੀ ਵਿਚ ਰਹਿ ਚੁੱਕੇ ਡਾਕਟਰ ਧਰਮਵੀਰ ਗਾਂਧੀ ਦੀ ਨਵਾਂ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਪਾਰਟੀ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਹੌਸਲਾਂ ਅਫਜਾਈ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਜਾ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ। 16 ਜਨਵਰੀ 2022 ਨੂੰ ਆਪਣਾ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਪਾਰਟੀ ਅਤੇ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਆਰਥਿਕ ਪਾਰਟੀ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਵੀ ਮੋਰਚੇ ਦਾ ਸਾਥ ਦਿਤੇ ਜਾਣ ਦੀ ਖਬਰ ਹੈ । ਕਮਿਊਨਿਸਟ ਮਾਰਕਸਵਾਦੀ ਪਾਰਟੀ ਭਾਰਤ (ਯੂਨਾਈਟਡ) - MCPIU ਵੀ ਸੰਯੁਕਤ ਸਮਾਜ ਮੋਰਚੇ ਦਾ ਸਾਥ ਦੇ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ।

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Saturday, 27 March 2021

Ship Blocked in Suez Canal finally refloats - MV Ever Given Ship Stuck leads to Global Trade crisis

The satellite picture by CNES 2021 delivered on Thursday via Airbus DS shows the Ever Given compartment ship lodged sideways and hindering all traffic across the stream of Egypt's Suez Canal.| AFP/ CNES 2020


What is Suez Canal

The Suez Canal is a fake ocean level stream in Egypt, associating the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea through the Isthmus of Suez and separating Africa and Asia. Built somewhere in the range of 1859 and 1869 by the Suez Canal Company shaped by Ferdinand de Lesseps in 1858, it formally opened on 17 November 1869.

 

What is MV Ever Given

on March 23, 2021, a massive, one of the World's largest 200000 Tonne (2 lakh tonnes), 1312 feet long, Cargo Ship named MV Ever Given owned by Taiwanese company Evergreen Marine, which started its journey from Malaysia to Netherlands got stuck in Suez Canal and it disrupted the global trade particularly between Asia and Europe. The ship has turned sideways and blocked the trade route. It halts major repercussions for the global shipping system. The ship turned sideways due to 40-knot winds and blinding dust storm and wedged itself into the two banks of the stream. Digging groups are moving huge measures of sand to free a skyscraper-size container ship stuck in the Suez Canal, one of the world's busiest delivery courses.
 

Importance of Suez Canal

The Suez waterway associates Egypt's Port Said on the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean through the Southern Egyptian City of the Suez on the Red Sea. It reduces the distance between Asia and Europe by humongous 7000 km and carries 12% of the World Trade by Volume. The stranded ship has 25 Indian crew members on board and all are safe. According to Lloyd's List data, at present over 200 container ships including 40 bulk carriers and around 25 crude tankers, are waiting to enter into Suez Canal on either of its ends.


Trade Loss

Currently, stranded ship is holding cargo of upto $9.6bn (Rs. 70,000 Crore) per day which is costing about $400 million (2,900 Crore) per hour as per Llyod's list. The Europe bound traffic is valued at approximately $5.1bn (Rs.510 Crore) while Asia bound traffic is at around $4.5bn (Rs.450 Crore). 5-10% of seaborne crude oil is transported through the canal. The disruption causes shipment delays of around 3-5 million barrels of oil per day.
 

Lloyd's List

Lloyd's List is one of the world's most seasoned ceaselessly running diaries, having given week by week dispatching news in London as right on time as 1734. It was distributed every day until 2013, and is in continually refreshed advanced arrangement just from that point forward.
 

History of Yellow Fleet Crisis in Suez Canal

Flash-backing into 1967, in June, when the fleet of 14 cargo ships passing through the canal , the war broke out between Egypt and Israel, which lasted for only few days, but ships remained stranded there for 8 years. Egypt closed the Suez Canal, as the debris and wreckage caused by war, jammed the canal. Eventually, cargo ships were abandoned by the crew, which were later on covered by the desert sand blown by the winds, leading its name to Yellow Fleet. The sea route remained jammed until ceasefire agreed upon by the two countries in 1973. The canal re-opened in 1975, after that.
 
Meanwhile, Evergreen Marine said that attempt will be made to refloat the ship by taking the advantage of tidal movements on Saturday. Ten tugboats has also been deployed to carry out the operation. The company is having all the container ships named in the 'Ever' + G-word format like Ever Goods, Ever Gaining etc. Among others.

Breaking News

As on March 29, 2021, the Monday, the ship is ready to refloat on its route from Malaysia to Netherlands, after 6 days of being stuckes there.

    

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Tuesday, 12 January 2021

Whatsapp Privacy Update - Explained in Hindi । Whatsapp Alternatives | What's Absent in Alternative Apps

  व्हाट्सएप की नई शर्ते अगर नही मानेंगे तो 8.2.2021 के बाद व्हाटसअप आपका एकाउंट बन्द कर देगा। क्या होगा अगर आप इन शर्तों को मानेंगे। आप की ये सब जानकारी

- App version

- IP address

- Language

- Time zone

- Location

- Phone number

- Mobile network

- Battery level

- Signal strength

- Browser information

- Hardware information

- Operating system version

- Profile picture

- Wifi signal

- Person connected with your wifi router (i.e. your router information)


व्हाट्सएप्प अपने बापू फेसबुक, भाई इंस्टाग्राम और अन्य दोस्तों के साथ भी बाटेंगा, हो सकता है पहले से बांट रहा भी हो। लेकिन अब इसने सब सीधे सीधे बता दिया है डंके की चोट पे। इसका मकसद अगर आपके डाटा को इस्तेमाल करके आपके interest के ads दिखाने तक होता तो भी सही था, मगर व्हाटसअप फेसबुक ये डाटा किसी तीसरी कम्पनी को बेच भी सकती है, ऐसा लिखा है नई terms & conditions में ।


भारत सरकार ने पहले ही इंटरनेट कम्पनियों को बोला था data सेन्टर localization के लिए, मतलब भारत का डाटा भारत में ही स्टोर किया जाए। नई पॉलिसी में व्हाट्सएप्प सारा डाटा USA, सिंगापुर या किसी भी देश में अपने सर्वर पे डाल सकता है।


और हाँ, अब ये paytm, गूगल pay को टक्कर देने के लिए Whtasapp pay ले के आ रहा है। और नई शर्तों में बताया गया है की व्हाट्सएप्प pay इस्तेमाल करने पर आपका 

- Bank Account number

- transaction history

सब कुछ अपने रिशतेदार apps के साथ बांटेगा । 


अब whatsapp के विकल्पों की बात करते हैं - telegram, signal जैसी कुछ apps को आप अपना नया messenger बना सकते हैं । अगर आप व्हाट्सप्प छोड़ देते हैं, तो क्या क्या फीचर्स हैं जो आपको वैकल्पिक एप्प्स में नही मिलेगा  

टेलीग्राम और सिग्नल में क्या नही मिलेगा ?

- आप स्टेटस नही डाल सकेंगे।

- आप ब्रॉडकास्ट लिस्ट नही बना सकते।

- आप जरूरी मेसज को Star नही कर सकते।

- आप दोस्तों को Live Location नही भेज सकेंगे।

- आप चैट Report नही कर सकते सिर्फ Block कर सकते हैं।

- अगर फोन गुम हो गया तो Signal app में चैट बैकअप का कोई विकल्प नही है।


Telegram vs Signal  (Comaprison)

Click Here to Read 


व्हाट्सएप्प की तरफ से सफाई 


Source : 

https://youtu.be/Vs7-fL8tr4U

https://youtu.be/NkncmRkHmjo

https://youtu.be/V5V7y3GJ6LQ

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Monday, 18 March 2019

[PDF] IPL 12 PDF Schedule | IPL 2019 Download Full Schedule


IPL is back with bang, we are going to have opening match in less than a weeks time. www.GyanVatika4u.blogspot.in is ready with the complete IPL Schedule 2019. So never miss out any match at any cost.

Play fantasy league free and win real cash

 

IPL-12 Schedule 2019


Date Match Teams Venue Time
Mar 23 1st T20 Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai 02:30 PM GMT / 08:00 PM LOCAL
Mar 24 2nd T20 Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Eden Gardens, Kolkata 10:30 AM GMT / 04:00 PM LOCAL
Mar 24 3rd T20 Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai 02:30 PM GMT / 08:00 PM LOCAL
Mar 25 4th T20 Rajasthan Royals vs Kings XI Punjab Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur 02:30 PM GMT / 08:00 PM LOCAL
Mar 26 5th T20 Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi 02:30 PM GMT / 08:00 PM LOCAL
Mar 27 6th T20 Kolkata Knight Riders vs Kings XI Punjab Eden Gardens, Kolkata 02:30 PM GMT / 08:00 PM LOCAL
Mar 28 7th T20 Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru 02:30 PM GMT / 08:00 PM LOCAL
Mar 29 8th T20 Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad 02:30 PM GMT / 08:00 PM LOCAL
Mar 30 9th T20 Kings XI Punjab vs Mumbai Indians Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali 10:30 AM GMT / 04:00 PM LOCAL
Mar 30 10th T20 Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi 02:30 PM GMT / 08:00 PM LOCAL
Mar 31 11th T20 Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad 10:30 AM GMT / 04:00 PM LOCAL
Mar 31 12th T20 Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai 02:30 PM GMT / 08:00 PM LOCAL
Apr 01 13th T20 Kings XI Punjab vs Delhi Capitals Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali 02:30 PM GMT / 08:00 PM LOCAL
Apr 02 14th T20 Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur 02:30 PM GMT / 08:00 PM LOCAL
Apr 03 15th T20 Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai 02:30 PM GMT / 08:00 PM LOCAL
Apr 04 16th T20 Delhi Capitals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi 02:30 PM GMT / 08:00 PM LOCA
Apr 05 17th T20 Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Rider M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru 02:30 PM GMT / 08:00 PM LOCAL

 

                                          


>> Full Schedule IPL 2016 : Click Here [PDF Full Schedule]


 Note : The VIVO IPL schedule is subject to change.
 


IPL TEAMS :

Delhi Daredevils (DDD)
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Kings XI Punjab (KXIP)
Mumbai Indians (MI) 
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) 
 

[PDF] FIFA World Cup 2014 Brazil Schedule | FIFA History and Facts : Click Here 

TOP 10 LEADING RUN SCORERS IN IPL HISTORY TILL IPL 7

10. RAHUL DRAVID (RR/RCB) – 2174 RUNS
9. VIRENDER SEHWAG (DD) – 2174 RUNS
8. MS DHONI (CSK) – 2243 RUNS
7. VIRAT KOHLI (RCB) – 2273 RUNS
6. JACQUES KALLIS (KKR/RCB) – 2276 RUNS
5. SACHIN TENDULKAR (MI) – 2334 RUNS
4. GAUTAM GAMBHIR (DD/KKR) – 2471 RUNS
3. CHRIS GAYLE (KKR/RCB) – 2512 RUNS
2. ROHIT SHARMA (DC/MI) – 2513 RUNS
1. SURESH RAINA (CSK) – 2802 RUNS

 

Check Our Sister Site for Job Alerts : Rojgar4all
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Thursday, 14 June 2018

[PDF] FIFA World Cup 2018 Schedule India Timings | Full Team Details and History

21st edition of FIFA World Cup is starting from 14th June 2018 in Russia. Today, we are providing you full team details alongwith schedule and timings as per Indian local timings (IST). Here, you can download full schedule in PDF. Each team deatiled below with their history in FIFA World Cups uptil now.



Download Full Schedule (IST) : Click Here (PDF)                     ⚽⚽⚽

 

Teams History and Facts

GROUP - A

  1. Saudi Arabia 
  2. Uruguay
  3. Russia
  4. Egypt 
✨ Saudi Arabia
  * *Current FIFA Ranking : 67
  * *Previous World Cup appearances: 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006  
  * *Best World Cup result : Round of 16 in 1994
  * *Group fixtures : June 14 vs Russia, June 20 vs Uruguay, June 25 vs Egypt
  * *Captain: Osama Hawsawi
  * *Star Player⭐: Fahad Al-Muwallad
  * *Head coach : Juan Antonio Pizzi
  * *Preferred formation: 4-2-3-1

Qualifying Route:
They qualified for the World Cup by finishing second top of AFC qualifying Group B, edging out Australia on account of their marginally better goal difference. It made for a nerve-shredding final round of matches, with Saudi Arabia recording a 1-0 win over Japan in their final match to finally book their place in Russia.

Past Performances:
Saudi Arabia qualified for their first FIFA World Cup in 1994. Under the leadership of Jorge Solari and with talents like Saeed Al-Owairan and Sami Al- Jaber, reinforced by national veteran Majed Abdullah, as team captain, Saudi Arabia beat both Belgium and Morocco in the group stage before falling to Sweden in the Round of 16. Saudi Arabia qualified for the next three World Cups, but did not win a group stage match in any of them. They failed to qualify for the 2010 and 2014 tournaments but secured qualification for the 2018 tournament, ahead of Australia.

Saudi Arabia are the three-time AFC Asian Cup champions and are generally considered one of the stronger sides in Asia. Yet they have only made the FIFA World Cup four times and have only made the knockouts once.

The Squad:
  * *Goalkeepers: Abdullah al-Mayouf, Yasser al Mosailem, Mohammed al-Owais
  * *Midfielders: Salman al-Faraj, Yahya al-Shehri, Hattan Bahebri, Abdulmalek al-Khaibri, Mohamed Kanno, Abdullah Otayf, Abdullah al-Khaibari, Houssain al-Mogahwi, Taisir al-Jassim, Salem al-Dawsari
  * *Defenders : Mansoor al-Harbi, Osama Hawsawi, Ali al-Bulaihi, Omar Hawsaw, Mohammed al-Breik, Yasser al-Shahrani, Motaz Hawsawi
  * *Forwards: Mohammad al-Sahlawi, Fahad al-Muwallad, Muhannad Assiri

Uruguay
  * *Current FIFA Ranking : 17
  * *Previous World Cup appearances: 12 – 1930, 1950, 1954, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1974, 1986, 1990, 2002, 2010, 2014
  * *Best World Cup Results :Winners in 1930, 1950
  * *Group fixtures : June 15 vs Egypt, June 20 vs Saudi Arabia, June 25 vs Russia
  * *Captain: Diego Godin
  * *Star Player⭐: Luis Suarez
  * *Head coach: Oscar Tabarez
  * *Preferred Formation : 4-1-4-1

Qualifying Route:
Brazil breezed to first place in CONMEBOL qualifying but Uruguay were a comfortable 2nd. Chile missed out and Argentina relied on Lionel Messi's genius to qualify. Edinson Cavani was the key to their success, hitting 10 goals – three more than any other player in qualifying.

Past Performances:
Although Uruguay has a population of little under four million, it packs a historical punch in the World Cup like few others. It has won two FIFA World Cups, including the 1st ever World Cup in 1930 as hosts, beating Argentina 4–2 in the final. The team has qualified for 12 World Cups, reaching the second round in all but three, the semifinals five times and the finals twice. Even before the creation of the world Cup, Uruguay has won the Gold Medals in football at the Summer Olympics twice, in 1924 and 1928. Uruguay refused to enter the World Cup until 1950, but they stunned home team Brazil in the final by winning 2-1 at the Maracana, the same year. Uruguay is one of the most successful teams in the world, having won 19 official titles: 2 FIFA World Cup, 2 Olympic Games and 15 Copa America.

Their exploits have finished since those heady days in the past, but they have shown in each of the last two editions that they are still a force to be reckoned with.

The Squad:
  * *Goal keepers: Fernando Muslera, Martín Campaña, Martín Silva.
  * *Defenders: José María Giménez, Diego Godín, Guillermo Varela, Nahitan Nández, Gastón Silva, Maximiliano Pereira, Sebastián Coates, Martín Cáceres.
  * *Midfielders: Carlos Sánchez, Rodrigo Bentancur, Cristian Rodríguez, Giorgian De Arrascaeta, Lucas Torreira, Matías Vecino, Diego Laxalt, Jonathan Urretaviscaya.
  * *Forwads: Luis Suárez, Cristhian Stuani, Maximiliano Gómez, Edinson Cavani.
✨ Russia

  * *Current FIFA Ranking : 66
  * *Previous World Cup appearances: 11 - 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1982, 1986, 1990 (all as USSR), 1994, 2002, 2014
  * *Best World Cup result : Fourth - 1966
  * *Group fixtures : June 14 vs Saudi Arabia, June 19 vs Egypt, June 25 vs Uruguay
  * *Captain: Igor Akinfeev
  * *Star Player: Denis Cheryshev
  * *Head coach: Stanislav Cercesov
  * *Preferred formation: 3-4-2-1


Qualification Route:
As hosts, there was no need for Russia to go through any qualification process and as such they are a side that are coming into the competition largely untested. It is scheduled to take place in Russia from 14 June to 15 July 2018, after the country was awarded the hosting rights on 2 December 2010.
Past Performances:
After the breakup of the Soviet Union, Russia played its first international match against Mexico on 16 August 1992 winning 2–0 with a team of former Soviet Union players, including some born in other former Soviet Republics. Russia were in Group 5 for the qualification campaign for the 1994 FIFA World Cup held in the United States which consisted of Greece, Iceland, Hungary and Luxembourg. The suspension of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia reduced the group to five teams. Russia eventually qualified alongside Greece with six wins and two draws. Russia went to the USA to start a new era of Russian football as an independent country. They appeared for the World Cup in 2002 and 2014 as well.

This will be the first World Cup held in Europe since the 2006 tournament in Germany, the first ever to be held in Eastern Europe and the eleventh time that it has been held in Europe. All of the stadium venues are in European Russia to keep travel time manageable.

They are, however, eager to give a strong account of themselves to the watching world, having failed to progress past the group stage of the competition since the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Even on home soil, though, their path will not be straightforward. Uruguay have an array of attacking talent at their disposal while Egypt are expected to to be carried by Mohamed Salah. It is essential they get their tournament off to a flying start against Saudi Arabia.

The squad:
  * *Goalkeepers: Igor Akinfeev, Andrey Lunyov, Vladimir Gabulov
  * *Defenders: Mário Fernandes, Ilya Kutepov, Sergei Ignashevich, Andrei Semyonov, Fedor Kudryashov, Vladimir Granat, Yuri Zhirkov, Igor Smolnikov
  * *Midfielders: Denis Cheryshev, Daler Kuzyaev, Yuri Gazinskiy, Alan Dzagoev, Roman Zobnin, Anton Miranchuk, Aleksandr Golovin, Aleksandr Samedov, Aleksandr Erokhin
  * *Forwards: Fedor Smolov, Aleksei Miranchuk, Artem Dzyuba

✨ Egypt
  * *Current FIFA Ranking : 46
  * *Previous World Cup appearances: 2 - 1934, 1990
  * *Best World Cup result : First round/Group Stage
  * *Group fixtures : June 15 vs Uruguay, June 19 vs Russia, June 25 vs Saudi Arabia
  * *Captain: Essam El Hadary
  * *Star Player⭐:  Mohamed Salah
  * *Head coach : Hector Cuper
  * *Preferred formation: 4-2-3-1

Qualifying Route:
Egypt qualified over Uganda, Ghana and Congo in the third round of CAF. On October 8, 2017, Egypt sealed their qualification with a 2–1 win over Congo. The two goals were scored by Mohamed Salah with the second one in a dramatic last minute penalty. Salah has scored the most goals in the third round of the CAF 2018 World Cup Qualification campaign with five goals.

Past performances:
Egypt was the first African team to play in the World Cup finals in 1934. Egypt has qualified to the world cup on three occasions, in 1934 , 1990 and 2018 FIFA World Cup. When they qualified in 1990, they became the team with the longest-ever gap between two FIFA World Cup matches: 56 years and 16 days had passed(1934-1990). After beating MandatoryPalestine, Egypt qualified for their first World Cup. . It is notable that this World Cup will be the first in which Egypt plays against a non-European team.

After another near-three-decade absence, they have returned as they seek to progress for the first time. Despite more positive news around Mohamed Salah's injury, Egypt coach Hector Cuper has admitted that he is planning for life without him just in case his star man isn't fit to start in Russia.

The Squad:
  * *Goalkeepers: Essam El-Hadary, Sherif Ekramy, Ahmed El-Shenawy.
  * *Defenders:  li Gabr, Ahmed Elmohamady, Ahmed Hegazi, Ahmed Fathi, Ayman Ashraf ,Mohamed Abdel-Shafy, Mahmoud Hamdy (El-Winsh), Saad Samir.
  * **Midfielders: Omar Gabr, Sam Morsy, Tarek Hamed, Mohamed Elneny, Mahmoud Abdel Razek (Shikabala), Abdallah El-Said, Amr Warda.
  * **Forwards: Marwan Mohsen, Mohamed Salah, Mahmoud Abdel-Moneim (Kahraba), Ramadan Sobhi, Mahmoud Hassan (Trezeguet)


GROUP -B

  1. Portugal 
  2. Spain
  3. Morocco
  4. Iran
✨ Portugal

  * Current FIFA Ranking : 4
  * Previous World Cup appearances: 6 - 1966, 1986, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014
  * Best World Cup result : Third place - 1966
  * Group fixtures : June 15 vs Spain, June 20 vs Morocco, June 25 vs Iran
  * Captain: Cristiano Ronaldo
  * Star Player⭐: Cristiano Ronaldo
  * Head coach : Fernando Santos
  * Preferred formation: 4-4-2


Qualification Route:
The 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification UEFA Group B was one of the nine UEFA groups for 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification. The group consisted of six teams: Portugal, Switzerland, Hungary, Faroe Islands, Latvia, and Andorra.

European champions ​Portugal​ booked their spot in Russia after narrowly finishing top of Europe's Group B on goal difference, edging out Switzerland on the final day to avoid the play-offs.

Past Performances:
Portugal have appeared in the finals of the FIFA World Cup on six occasions, the first being in 1966, where they reached the semi final. The next two times Portugal qualified for the World Cup finals were in 1986 and 2002, going out in the first round both times. Although Portugal finished first in the qualifying round for the 2006 World Cup, they faced Germany in the third place play-off match in a 3–1 defeat. In 2010, they came second in the qualifying round, but ended with a loss to eventual champions, Spain in the round of 16, 1–0. However, in 2014, the team was eliminated due to inferior goal difference to the Americans.

Portugal displayed admirable defensive discipline and remarkable resilience to defeat France in the final of Euro 2016 after the loss of their captain and talisman Cristiano Ronaldo to an early injury.

Indeed, the supposed next generation of stars (Andre Silva, Andre Gomes and Renato Sanches, the latter who is left out of the squad) have struggled terribly at club level, while drawing Spain, means Portugal are likely to be left fighting for second place in Group B.

However, as the Seleccao showed in France two years ago, they are capable of springing a surprise, while a fully-fit Ronaldo makes anything possible.

The Squad:
  * Goalkeepers: Anthony Lopes, Beto, Rui Patricio
  * Defenders: Bruno Alves, Cedric Soares, Jose Fonte, Mario Rui, Pepe, Raphael Guerreiro, Ricardo Pereira, Ruben Dias
  * Midfielders: Adrien Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Mario, Joao Moutinho, Manuel Fernandes, William Carvalho
  * Forwards: Andre Silva, Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gelson Martins, Goncalo Guedes, Ricardo Quaresma
Spain
  * Current FIFA Ranking : 10
  * Previous World Cup  appearances: 14 - 1934, 1950, 1962, 1966, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014
  * Best World Cup result : Winners - 2010
  * Group fixtures : June 15 vs Portugal, June 20 vs Iran, June 25 vs Morocco
  * Captain: Sergio Ramos
  * Star Players⭐: Sergio Ramos, David de Gea, David Silva, Isco, Ascencia, Sergio Ramos.
  * Head coach : Julen Lopetegui
  * Preferred formation: 4-2-3-1


Qualification Route:
During the qualifying rounds, they haven’t lost a single game. They kicked off their qualifying campaign by thrashing Liechtenstein eight goals to nil before dropping points after a 1-1 draw with Italy. They went back to their winning ways away from home as they defeated Albania two goals to nil. They ended their qualfying campaign on a high note after a three-nil win over Albania and a one-nil win over Israel.

Past Performances:
Spain is one of only eight countries ever to have won the FIFA World Cup, which it did at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the first time the team had reached the final. The team is one of the most present at the World Cup finals with 14 appearances out of the 20 tournaments. Spain reached fourth-place in 1950, and has reached the quarter-finals four times. The Spanish team has also won three UEFA European Football Championships, in 1964, 2008 and 2012 and the Olympic football tournament in 1992.

Spain may have disappointed at their last two major tournaments but they will arrive in Russia as one of the favourites to win the World Cup.

The Squad:
  * Goalkeepers: David de Gea, Pepe Reina, Kepa Arrizabalaga
  * Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Alvaro Odriozola, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Nacho, Cesar Azpilicueta, Jordi Alba, Nacho Monreal
  * Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Saul Niquez, Koke, Thiago Alcantara, Andres Iniesta, David Silva
  * Forwards: Isco, Marcio Asensio, Lucas Vazquez, Iago Aspas, Rodrigo, Diego Costa
✨ Morocco


  * Current FIFA Ranking : 41
  * Previous World Cup appearances : 4 - 1970, 1986, 1994, 1998
  * Best World Cup result : Last 16 - 1986
  * Group fixtures : June 15 vs Iran, June 20 vs Portugal, June 25 vs Spain
  * Captain: Medhi Benatia
  * Star Player⭐: Hakim Ziyech
  * Head coach : Herve Renard
  * Preferred Formation: 4-2-3-1


Qualification Route:
Goals from defenders Nabil Dirar and Medhi Benatia handed Morocco a 2-0 away win over the Ivory Coast in their last World Cup qualifier and booked a return to the finals for the first time in two decades. Morocco completed the CAF qualifcation campaign without conceding a goal, finishing on 12 points, four ahead of the Ivorians. Gabon had seven and bottom-placed Mali, five.

Past Performances:
As the winners of the African Nations Cup in 1976, they were the first African team to win a group at the World Cup, which they did in 1986, finishing ahead of Portugal, Poland, and England. They were also the first African team to make it to the second round, barely losing to eventual runners-up West Germany, 1–0 in 1986. They also came within two minutes of moving out of the group stage of the 1998 World Cup, Kjetil Rekdal's late winning goal for Norway against Brazil, eliminating them.

After a 20-year absence, Morocco is ready to make a strong return to the game's grandest stage.

The Squad:
  * Goalkeepers: Mounir El Kajoui, Yassine Bounou, Ahmad Reda Tagnaouti
  * Defenders: Mehdi Benatia, Romain Saiss, Manuel Da Costa, Badr Benoun, Nabil Dirar, Achraf Hakimi, Hamza Mendyl
  * Midfielders: M'bark Boussoufa, Karim El Ahmadi, Youssef Ait Bennasser, Sofyan Amrabat, Younes Belhanda, Faycal Fajr, Amine Harit
  * Forwards: Khalid Boutaib, Aziz Bouhaddouz, Ayoub El Kaabi, Nordin Amrabat, Mehdi Carcela, Hakim Ziyech



✨ Iran

  * Current FIFA Ranking : 37
  * Previous World Cup appearances: 4 - 1978, 1998, 2006, 2014
  * Best World Cup result : Group Stage
  * Group fixtures : June 15 vs Morocco, June 20 vs Spain, June 25 vs Portugal
  * Captain: Ashkan Dejagah
  * Star Player⭐: Sardar Azmoun
  * Head coach : Carlos Queiroz
  * Preferred Formation: 1-4-5-1


Qualification Route:
Iran became the second team to qualify for World Cup, after Brazil, in the CAF Third Round, as they beat Uzbekistan 2-0 with goals from Sardar Azmoun and Mehdi Taremi at the Azadi Stadium.

Past Performances:
Iran is one of the most successful national teams in Asia with three Asian Cup championships (1968, 1972, and 1976). Iran has qualified for the World Cup five times (1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, and 2018) but has never advanced past the group stage. Iran's only win in the World Cup has been a 2–1 victory against the United States in 1998.

Iran's success was based upon their defensive excellence. Iran do not lack attacking talent, though. Sardar Azmoun and Mehdi Taremi combined for 19 goals over the course of the entire qualification campaign, while winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh is coming off the back of the most prolific season of his Eredivisie career.

However, nothing less than victory in their tournament opener against Morocco will suffice if Team Melli are to reach the knockout stage for the first time in their history.

The Squad:
  * Goalkeepers: Alireza Beiranvand, Rashid Mazaheri, Amir Abedzadeh
  * Defenders: Ramin Rezaeian, Mohammad Reza Khanzadeh, Morteza Pouraliganji, Pejman Montazeri, Seyed Majid Hosseini, Milad Mohammadi, Roozbeh Cheshmi
  * Midfielders: Saeid Ezatolahi, Masoud Shojaei, Saman Ghoddos, Mehdi Torabi, Ashkan Dejagah, Omid Ebrahimi, Ehsan Hajsafi, Vahid Amiri
  * Forwards: Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Karim Ansarifard, Mahdi Taremi, Sardar Azmoun, Reza Ghoochannejhad

GROUP -C

  1. Australia
  2. France
  3. Peru
  4. Denmark
✨ Australia

*Current FIFA Ranking : 36
*Previous World Cup appearances : 4 - 1974, 2006, 2010, 2014
*Best World Cup result : Last 16 - 2006
*Group fixtures : June 16 vs France, June 21 vs Denmark, June 26 vs Peru
*Captain : Mile Jedinak
*Star Player ⭐: Tom Rogic
*Head coach : Bert van Marwijk
*Preferred Formation : 4-4-1-1

Qualification Route :
Australia had missed out on automatic qualification for finals after finishing behind Asian Football Confederation rivals Japan and Saudi Arabia, and so went into a regional play-off where they ended Syria's hopes of advancing further towards Russia. Australia defeated Honduras 3-1 in the second leg of their intercontinental play-off to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Captain Mile Jedinak scored a half hat-trick to give the Socceroos a 3-1 aggregate victory after the first leg finished goalless.

Past Performances :
Socceroos have played at the FIFA World Cup on four occasions: in 1974, 2006, 2010 and 2014.

In Australia's first appearance, representing OFC, a team made up entirely of amateurs secured a scoreless draw against Chile, though eventually departed from the 1974 tournament without a goal to show from their inaugural appearance. Australia made up for lost time at Germany 2006 and qualified for the Round of 16 before narrowly falling to eventual champions Italy. The German theme continued at South Africa 2010 although this time Australia, now representing the AFC, suffered a 4-0 loss against the European giants in a scoreline which ultimately scuppered their progress. Australia were to lose all three games in a tough group at Brazil, 2014.

Although Australia first qualified for the World Cup in 1974, it is only in recent years that they have become regulars at the tournament. Reaching Russia for the competition this summer, though, was something of a trial for the Socceroos. Reaching the second round and thereby equalling their best-ever performance at a finals tournament would have to be considered a significant achievement given they have a tricky group.

The Squad:
*Goalkeepers : Brad Jones, Mat Ryan, Danny Vukovic
*Defenders : Aziz Behich, Milos Degenek, Matthew Jurman, James Meredith, Josh Risdon, Trent Sainsbury
*Midfielders : Jackson Irvine, Mile Jedinak, Robbie Kruse, Massimo Luongo, Mark Milligan, Aaron Mooy, Tom Rogic
*Forwards : Daniel Arzani, Tim Cahill, Tomi Juric, Mathew Leckie, Andrew Nabbout, Dimitri Petratos, Jamie Maclaren

✨ France
*Current FIFA Ranking : 7
*Previous World Cup appearances : 14 - 1930, 1934, 1938, 1954, 1958, 1966, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014
*Best World Cup result : Winners - 1998
*Group fixtures : June 16 vs Australia, June 21 vs Peru, June 26 vs Denmark
*Captain : Hugo Lloris
*Star Player ⭐: Antoine Griezmann
*Head coach : Didier Deschamps
*Preferred Formation : 4-3-3

Qualification Route:
The talented French national team experienced no trouble in qualifying for the World Cup in Russia topping their European qualifying group with 23 points in 10 matches. France conceded only six goals in the qualifying group stage and scored 18 times. Chelsea's Olivier Giroud and Atletico Madrid's Griezmann both scored four goals each.

Past Performances:
This is a record of France's results at the FIFA World Cup. France was one of the four European teams that participated at the inaugural World Cup in 1930 and have appeared in 14 FIFA World Cups, tied for the sixth most of any country. The national team is one of eight national teams to have won at least one FIFA World Cup title.

The French team won its first and only World Cup title in 1998. The tournament was played on home soil and France defeated Brazil, 3–0 in the final match. The tournament was hosted in France once before in,1938, where France was eliminated by defending champions Italy in the quarter finals.

In 2006, France finished as runners-up losing 5–3 on penalties to Italy. The team has also finished in third place on two occasions in 1958 and 1986 and in fourth place once in 1982.

They travel to Russia with a squad as deep as any in the competition, but with question marks hanging over their mentality despite world-class talent including Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann.

*The Squad :
*Goalkeepers : Alphonse Areola, Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda
*Defenders : Lucas Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe, Benjamin Mendy, Benjamin Pavard, Adil Rami, Djibril Sidibe, Samuel Umtiti, Raphael Varane
*Midfielders : N'Golo Kante, Blaise Matuidi, Steven N'Zonzi, Paul Pogba, Corentin Tolisso,
*Forwards : Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Thomas Lemar, Kylian Mbappe, Florian Thauvin, Ousmane Dembele, Nabil Fekir

✨ Peru

*Current FIFA Ranking : 11
*Previous World Cup appearances : 4 - 1930, 1970, 1978, 1982
*Best World Cup result : Quarter-finals - 1970
*Group fixtures : June 16 vs Denmark, June 21 vs France, June 26 vs Australia
*Captain : Paolo Guerrero
*Star Player ⭐: Jefferson Farfan
*Head coach : Ricardo Gareca
*Preferred formation : 4-4-1-1

Qualification Route :
Peru ended their 36-year FIFA World Cup drought by finishing fifth in the CONMEBOL qualifying round and subsequently defeating New Zealand 2-0 on aggregate in the intercontinental play-off. Farfan set the tone in the 28th minute – his 23rd international strike – unleashing an unstoppable volley straight through All Whites goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic.

Past Performances :
Peru has participated in the World Cup during the first World Cup in 1930 and in every tournament since 1958. Peru has reached the finals five times: in 1930, 1970, 1978, 1982, and 2018. Peru was invited to the first FIFA World Cup in Uruguay in 1930. They lost both of their games and finished 10th out of 13 teams. The team either withdrew or did not enter the next four tournaments, in 1934, 1938, 1950, and 1954. Peru participated but did not qualify in 1958, 1962, or 1966.

Peru had its best result in Mexico 1970, finishing in seventh place. Peru again finished in the top eight at the World Cup in Argentina 1978. They finished first in their group during the first round of the tournament, but were eliminated after losing all their games in the second round. Peru reached the next World Cup finals in Spain 1982, although the team was eliminated in the first round after 2 draws and 1 loss. From 1986 to 2014, Peru did not advance past the CONMEBOL qualifying round.

The Squad :
*Goalkeepers: Carlos Caceda, Jose Carvallo, Pedro Gallese
*Defenders: Alberto Rodriguez, Aldo Corzo, Anderson Santamaria, Miguel Araujo, Miguel Trauco, Christian Ramos, Luis Advincula, Nilson Loyola
*Midfielders: Paolo Hurtado, Christian Cueva, Renato Tapia, Wilder Cartagena, Yoshimar Yotun, Pedro Aquino
*Forwards: Paolo Guerrero, Jefferson Farfan, Raul Ruidiaz, Andy Polo, Andre Carrillo, Edison Flores
✨ Denmark


*Current FIFA Ranking : 12
*Previous World Cup appearances : 4 - 1986, 1998, 2002, 2010
*Best World Cup result : Quarter-finals - 1998
*Group fixtures : June 16 vs Peru, June 21 vs Australia, June 26 vs France
*Captain : Simon Kjaer
*Star Player ⭐: Christian Eriksen
*Head Coach : Age Hareide
*Preferred formation : 4-2-3-1

Qualification Route :
Denmark finally qualified for World Cup 2018 in style as they defeated the Republic of Ireland 5-1 in Dublin, in the play Off though their progress to Russia was always balanced on a tightrope.

 Past Performances :
The first time Denmark entered the tournament was for the 1958 edition in Sweden. However, they lost all four of their qualifying matches to England and the Republic of Ireland.

They qualified for the first time in 1986, where they won all three of their Group Stage matches including a 2-0 against title contenders West Germany, but were eliminated by Spain in the next round. Since then, the Danish national team has regularly qualified for FIFA World Cup Finals and will make their fifth appearance in Russia. Their best performance was in 1998, where they reached the quarter finals.

They are a side with a strong spine, led by captain Simon Kjaer, but they are certainly not without their quality in attack, where Tottenham playmaker Christian Eriksen will be the man pulling the strings.

*The Squad :
*Goalkeepers : Kasper Schmeichel, Jonas Lossl, Frederik Ronow
*Defenders : Simon Kjaer, Andreas Christensen, Mathias Jorgensen, Jannik Vestergaard, Henrik Dalsgaard, Jens Stryger, Jonas Knudsen
*Midfielders : William Kvist, Thomas Delaney, Lukas Lerager, Lasse Schone, Christian Eriksen, Michael Krohn-Dehli
*Forwards : Pione Sisto, Martin Braithwaite, Andreas Cornelius, Viktor Fischer, Yussuf Poulsen, Nicolai Jorgensen, Kasper Dolberg

GROUP - D

  1. Argentina
  2. Iceland
  3. Croatia
  4. Nigeria
✨ Argentina


*Current FIFA Ranking : 5
*Previous World Cup appearances : 16 - 1930, 1934, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014
*Best World Cup result : Champions - 1978, 1986
*Group fixtures : June 16 vs Iceland, June 21 vs Croatia, June 26 vs Nigeria
*Captain : Lionel Messi
*Star Player ⭐: Lionel Messi
*Head coach : Jorge Sampaoli
*Preferred Formation : 4-4-2
Qualification Route :
The Argentina captain is the country’s all-time top goalscorer, and delivered one of his best-ever international performances to send them to Russia with Jorge Sampaoli’s side on the brink of a disastrous exit in CONMEBOL qualifying round. Messi scored all three goals in the 3-1 away win against Ecuador to send Argentina through, earning a difficult draw with Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria in Group D.

Past Performances:
Argentina is one of the most successful national football teams in the world, having won 2 World Cups in 1978and 1986. Argentina has been runners up three times in the 1930, 1990 and 2014. The team was present in all but four of the World Cups, being behind only Brazil, Italy and Germany in number of appearances. Argentina has also won the Copa America 14 times, one less than Uruguay. Moreover, Argentina has also won the Confederations Cup and the gold medal at the Olympic football Tournament in 2004 and 2008. Prior to that occasion Argentina had obtained two silver medals in the 1928 and 1996 editions. On other levels of international competition Argentina has won the FIFA U-20 World Cup a record six times.

The Squad:
*Goalkeepers : Nahuel Guzman, Willy Caballero, Franco Armani
*Defenders : Gabriel Mercado, Nicolas Otamendi, Federico Fazio, Nicolas Tagliafico, Marcos Rojo, Marcos Acuna, Cristian Ansaldi, Eduardo Salvio
*Midfielders : Javier Mascherano, Angel Di Maria, Ever Banega, Lucas Biglia, Gio Lo Celso, Maximiliano Meza
*Forwards : Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala, Cristian Pavon

✨ Iceland


*Current FIFA Ranking : 22
*Previous World Cup appearances : Debut
*Best World Cup result : N/A
*Group fixtures : June 16 vs Argentina, June 22 vs Nigeria, June 26 vs Croatia
*Captain : Aron Gunnarsson
*Star Player ⭐: Gylfi Sigurdsson
*Head coach : Heimir Hallgrimsson
*Preferred formation : 4-4-2

Qualification Route :
Following a 2–0 home win over Kosovo in the final round of the qualifiers, Iceland secured their spot in Russia 2018, finishing top of Group 1 by two points over Croatia, who had defeated Iceland in the World Cup play-offs four years earlier.

Past Performances:
Iceland qualifies for the finals of a FIFA World Cup for the first time.They directly qualified after securing the first spot in their qualifying group on the final round. This meant that after 12 failed qualification campaigns, Iceland would appear at the World Cup for the first time in their history, and appear at only their second major international tournament, after qualifying for UEFA Euro 2016 two years earlier.

Iceland will also be one of the two smallest nations to reach the World Cup finals, breaking the record set by Trinidad and Tobago. The other is Panama.

Despite being the smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup, they are sure to bring their tremendous travelling support, whose trademark ‘Viking Clap’ became a defining image of Euro 2016. Even if they don’t perform well on the pitch, their supporters are guaranteed to enjoy themselves at their second-ever international tournament.

The Squad:
*Goalkeepers : Hannes Thor Halldorsson, Runar Alex Runarsson, Frederik Schram
*Defenders : Kari Arnason, Ari Freyr Skulason, Birkir Mar Saevarsson, Sverrir Ingi Ingason, Hordur Magnusson, Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson, Ragnar Sigurdsson
*Midfielders : Johann Berg Gudmundsson, Birkir Bjarnason, Arnor Ingvi Traustason, Emil Hallfredsson, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Olafur Ingi Skulason, Rurik Gislason, Samuel Fridjonsson, Aron Gunnarsson
*Forwards : Alfred Finnbogason, Bjorn Bergmann Sigurdarson, Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, Albert Gudmundsson

✨ Croatia


*Current FIFA Ranking : 20
*Previous World Cup appearances : 4 - 1998, 2002, 2006, 2014
*Best World Cup result : Third place - 1998
*Group fixtures : June 16 vs Nigeria, June 21 vs Argentina, June 26 vs Iceland
*Captain : Luka Modric
*Star Player ⭐: Luka Modric
*Head coach : Zlatko Dalic
*Preferred formation: 4-2-3-1

Qualification Route:
Croatia qualified for the 2018 World Cup on by holding Greece to a 0-0 draw in the second leg of their play-off in Piraeus for a 4-1 win on aggregate.

Past Performances:
Croatia have appeared in the finals of the FIFA World Cup on four occasions (in 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2014) since gaining independence in 1991. Before that, from 1930 to 1990 Croatia was part of Yugoslavia.

Since becoming an independent nation in the early 1990s, Croatia have been a mainstay in international tournaments, only once missing out on World Cup qualification.

However, they advanced to the knockout stages just once too, and will be hoping that the current crop of players can replicate the form of their 1998 ‘Golden Generation’ that reached the semi-finals.

The Squad:
*Goalkeepers : Danijel Subasic, Lovre Kalinic, Dominik Livakovic
*Defenders : Vedran Corluka, Domagoj Vida, Ivan Strinic, Dejan Lovren, Sime Vrsaljko, Josip Pivaric, Tin Jedvaj, Duje Caleta-Car
*Midfielders : Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Mateo Kovacic, Milan Badelj, Marcelo Brozovic, Filip Bradaric
*Forwards : Mario Mandzukic, Ivan Perisic, Nikola Kalinic, Andrej Kramaric, Marko Pjaca, Ante Rebic

✨ Nigeria
 

*Current FIFA Ranking : 48
*Previous World Cup appearances: 5 - 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014
*Best World Cup result : Last 16 - 1994, 1998, 2014
*Group fixtures : June 16 vs Croatia, June 22 vs Iceland, June 26 vs Argentina
*Captain : John Obi Mikel
*Star Player ⭐: Victor Moses
*Head coach : Gernot Rohr

Qualification Route:
Nigeria’s Super Eagles were the first African team to qualify for the World Cup in Russia in emphatic fashion; pulling off an unbeaten run against strong competition from Cameroon, Zambia and Algeria. Winning four games and drawing two, scoring 12 goals and conceding just 4, the Nigerian side, which is highly rated by its fans at home, qualified with a game to spare. Nigeria started the group stage matches with a 2–1 win over Zambia in Ndola and defeated Algeria 3–1 in their second match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Past Performances :
Nigeria have appeared in the finals of the FIFA World Cup on five occasions, the first being in 1994 where they reached the second round. They are three time Africa Cup of Nations winners, with their last title in 2013, after defeating Burkina Faso in the final. In April 1994, the Super Eagles was ranked 5th in the FIFA rankings, the highest FIFA ranking position ever achieved by an African football team. Throughout history, the team has qualified for six of the last seven FIFA World Cups (as of 2018), missing only the 2006 World Cup hosted in Germany, and have reached the round of 16 three times. They were the only African team to qualify for both the 2014 and 2018 tournaments.

The Squad :
*Goalkeepers : Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi, Francis Uzoho
*Defenders : William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo, Bryan Idowu, Chidozie Awaziem, Abdullahi Shehu, Elderson Echiejile, Tyronne Ebueh
*Midfielders : John Obi Mikel, Ogenyi Onazi, John Ogu, Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, Joel Obi
*Forwards : Odion Ighalo, Ahmed Musa, Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Simeon Nwankwo

GROUP - E

  1. Brazil
  2. Serbia
  3. Switzerland
  4. Costa Rica

✨ Brazil

*Current FIFA Ranking : 2
*Previous World Cup appearances : 20 - 1930, 1934, 1938, 1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014
*Best World Cup result : Champions - 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002
*Group fixtures : June 17 vs Switzerland, June 22 vs Costa Rica, June 27 vs Serbia
*Captain : Varies
*Star Player ⭐: Neymar
*Head coach : Tite
*Preferred formation : 4-3-3

Qualification Route :
Brazil become the first side from CONMEBOL to reach Russia 2018. They sealed their ticket to Russia with a comprehensive win over Paraguay. Neymar starred once again, scoring a goal to become his side’s leading marksman of the qualifiers with six, with Philippe Coutinho and Marcelo also on target.

Past Performaces:
Brazil is the most successful national team in the history of the World Cup, having won five titles, earning second-place, third-place and fourth-place finishes twice each. Brazil is one of the countries besides Argentina, Spain and Germany to win a FIFA World Cup away from its continent (Sweden 1958, Mexico 1970, USA 1994 and South Korea/Japan 2002). Brazil is the only national team to have played in all FIFA World Cup editions without any absence or need for playoffs. Brazil also has the best overall performance in World Cup history in both proportional and absolute terms with a record of 70 victories in 104 matches played, 119 goal difference, 227 points and only 17 losses.

Traditionally, Brazil's greatest rival is Argentina. The two countries have met each other four times in the history of the FIFA World Cup, with two wins for Brazil (West Germany 1974 and Spain 1982), one for Argentina (Italy 1990) and a draw (Argentina 1978). The country that played most against Brazil in the finals is Sweden: 7 times, with five wins for Brazil and two draws. Other historical rivals are Italy, which lost two World Cup finals against Brazil and eliminated the Brazilians in two tournaments (France 1938 and Spain 1982), France, which has eliminated Brazil on three occasions (Mexico 1986, France 1998 and Germany 2006)..

The Squad:
*Goalkeepers: Alisson, Ederson, Cassio
*Defenders: Danilo, Fagner, Marcelo, Filipe Luis, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Miranda, Pedro Geromel
*Midfielders: Casemiro, Fernandinho, Paulinho, Fred, Renato Augusto, Philippe Coutinho
*Forwards: Neymar, Taison, Gabriel Jesus, Roberto Firmino, Willian, Douglas Costa
 
✨ Serbia

*Current FIFA Ranking : 34
*Previous World Cup appearances: 11 - 1930, 1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1974, 1982, 1990, 1998, 2006, 2010
*Best World Cup result : Fourth place - 1930, 1962
*Group fixtures  : June 17 vs Costa Rica, June 22 vs Switzerland, June 27 vs Brazil
*Captain: Aleksandar Kolarov
*Star Player⭐: Nemanja Matic
*Head coach : Mladen Krstajic
*Preferred formation: 4-2-3-1

Qualification Process :
They became the Group D winners in European qualifying, finishing two points clear of runners-up Republic of Ireland.

Past Performances:
From the 1930 FIFA World Cup to the 1990 FIFA World Cup Serbia was part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, which competed in the world cup. From the 1994 FIFA World Cup to the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Serbia played with Montenegro. From 2006 to the present, Serbia played as an independent country. After the dissolution of the SFRY, Serbia has not made it to the knockout stages.

They narrowly edged out the Republic of Ireland in qualifying, so will be looking for more consistency in the final tournament.

The Squad:
*Goalkeepers : Vladimir Stojkovic, Predrag Rajkovic, Marko Dmitrovic
*Defenders : Aleksandar Kolarov, Antonio Rukavina, Milan Rodic, Branislav Ivanovic, Uros Spajic, Milos Veljkovic, Dusko Tosic, Nikola Milenkovic
*Midfielders : Nemanja Matic, Luka Milivojevic, Marko Grujic, Dusan Tadic, Andrija Zivkovic, Filip Kostic, Nemanja Radonjic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Adem Ljajic
*Forwards : Aleksandar Mitrovic, Aleksandar Prijovic, Luka Jovic

✨ Switzerland


*Current FIFA Ranking : 6
*Previous World Cup appearances : 10 - 1934, 1938, 1950, 1954, 1962, 1966, 1994, 2006, 2010, 2014
*Best World Cup result : Quarter-finals - 1934, 1938, 1954
*Group fixtures : June 17 vs Brazil, June 22 vs Serbia, June 27 vs Costa Rica
*Captain : Stephan Lichtsteiner
*Star Player ⭐: Granit Xhaka
*Head coach : Vladimir Petkovic
*Preferred formation : 4-2-3-1

Qualification Route :
Switzerland held off Northern Ireland to seal a place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia with a 1-0 aggregate play-off victory. Vladimir Petkovic’s side wasted numerous first-half chances as the Northern Irish stayed in the tie, but Ricardo Rodriguez’s controversial first-leg penalty in Belfast proved enough for the Swiss to reach their fourth consecutive World Cup.

Past Performance :
Switzerland have appeared in the finals of the World Cup on ten occasions, the first being at the second finals in 1934 where they finished in seventh position. Its best performances in the World Cup have been reaching the quarter-finals three times, in 1934, 1938 and when the country hosted the event in 1954. Switzerland also won silver at the 1924 Olympics.

In 2006, Switzerland set a FIFA World Cup record by being eliminated from the competition despite not conceding a goal, losing to Ukraine in a penalty shootout. in the round of 16, by failing to score a single penalty – becoming the first national team in Cup history to do this. They would not concede a goal until their second group stage match in the 2010 World Cup, conceding a goal in the 74th minute to Chile, setting a World Cup finals record for consecutive minutes without conceding a goal.

The Squad :
*Goalkeepers: Roman Burki, Yvon Mvogo, Yann Sommer
*Defenders: Manuel Akanji, Johan Djourou, Nico Elvedi, Michael Lang, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Jacques-Francois Moubandje, Ricardo Rodriguez, Fabian Schaer
*Midfielders: Valon Behrami, Blerim Dzemaili, Gelson Fernandes, Remo Freuler, Xherdan Shaqiri, Granit Xhaka, Steven Zuber, Denis Zakaria
*Forwards: Josip Drmic, Breel Embolo, Mario Gavranovic, Haris Seferovic

✨ Costa Rica

*Current FIFA Ranking : 23
*Previous World Cup appearances: 4 - 1990, 2002, 2006, 2014
*Best World Cup result : 2014 - Quarter-finals
*Group fixtures : June 17 vs Serbia, June 22 vs Brazil, June 27 vs Switzerland
*Captain : Bryan Ruiz
*Star Player ⭐: Keylor Navas
*Head coach : Oscar Ramirez
*Preferred formation : 3-4-2-1

*Qualification Route :
Costa Rica, qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, in the fifth round of CONCACAF qualification matches played from 11 November 2016 to 10 October 2017. They finished second behind Mexico in the North, Central America and Caribbean standings.

*Past Performances:
Costa Rica is the most successful national football team in the history of Central America. They have won three CONCACAF (1963, 1969 and 1989) and a leading with eight championships in the Copa Centro-americana and its predecessor. Costa Rica is the only national team in Central America to have played in four FIFA World Cup editions.

Since the late 1980s, the team has continuously been visible as a solidly competitive side, with a prominent performance in the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, making it to the knockout stage in their debut after finishing second in their group during the first phase, below Brazil. They also managed to qualify for the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. In 2014, Costa Rica made their best performance in history by finishing first in their group that consisted of three former World Cup champions: Uruguay, Italy, and England.

Costa Rica is unlikely to win the World Cup any time soon, but the most successful Central American side are always capable of causing an upset at the tournament

The Squad:
*Goalkeepers: Keylor Navas, Patrick Pemberton, Leonel Moreira
*Defenders: Johnny Acosta, Giancarlo Gonzalez, Ian Smith, Oscar Duarte, Bryan Oviedo, Francisco Calvo, Cristian Gamboa, Kendall Waston, Ronald Matarrita
*Midfielders: Celso Borges, Christian Bolanos, Bryan Ruiz, Rodney Wallace, Randall Azofeifa, Yeltsin Tejeda, David Guzman
*Forwards: Daniel Colindres, Johan Venegas, Joel Campbell, Marco Urena

GROUP - F

  1. Germany
  2. Mexico
  3. Sweden
  4. Korea
✨ Germany

*Current FIFA Ranking : 1
*Previous World Cup appearances : 18 - 1934, 1938, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014
*Best World Cup result : Winners - 1954, 1974, 1990, 2014
*Group fixtures : June 17 vs Mexico, June 23 vs Sweden, June 27 vs South Korea
*Captain : Manuel Neuer
*Star Player ⭐: Toni Kroos
*Head coach : Joachim Low
*Preferred formation : 4-2-3-1


Qualification Route:
Germany qualified for the finals in Russia with a perfect record of 10 wins from 10 in UEFA Group C and scored 43 goals to boot. No fewer than 21 players found the target as Die Mannschaft became just the second team in history – after Spain in 2010 – to progress with a 100 percent record.

Past Performances:
Germany is one of the most successful national teams at the FIFA World Cup, winning four titles, earning second-place and third-place finishes four times each and one fourth-place finish. Germany are the only team which has stood on the podium (3rd place or better) every decade they entered the tournament—1930s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s and 2010s.

The team was present in 19 out of the 21 tournaments, the second most frequent, and only once did not reach the quarterfinals, in 1938. With this, Germany's 8th place or better (quarterfinals) in 17 out of 18 tournaments (94%) ranks highest in FIFA World Cup Finals history.

Although there are concerns over the fitness of captain Manuel Neuer, Joachim Low will, no matter what, be able to call upon several members of the side that beat Argentina in Rio four years ago, including Jerome Boateng, Thomas Muller, Sami Khedira and the peerless Toni Kroos. The squad has also been strengthened by the emergence of a plethora of talented youngsters such as Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Julian Brandt and Timo Werner.

The Squad:
*Goalkeepers : Manuel Neuer, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Kevin Trapp
*Defenders : Jerome Boateng, Matthias Ginter, Jonas Hector, Mats Hummels, Joshua Kimmich, Marvin Plattenhardt, Antonio Rudiger, Niklas Sule
*Midfielders : Mesut Ozil, Leon Goretzka, Ilkay Gundogan, Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos, Sebastian Rudy
*Forwards : Julian Brandt, Julian Draxler, Mario Gomez, Thomas Muller, Marco Reus, Timo Werner


✨ Mexico
*Current FIFA Ranking : 15
*Previous World Cup appearances: 15 - 1930, 1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1978, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014
*Best World Cup result : Quarter-finals - 1970, 1976
*Group fixtures : June 17 vs Germany, June 23 vs South Korea, June 27 vs Sweden
*Captain : Rafael Marquez
*Star Player ⭐: Hirving Lozano
*Head coach: Juan Carlos Osorio
*Preferred formation*: 4-1-4-1


Qualification Route:
Mexico capped a stellar run in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying Hexagonal by punching its official ticket for Russia 2018 with a 1-0 win over Panama at Estadio Azteca. Hirving Lozano's goal in the 53rd minute was the difference and had send Mexico to a seventh straight World Cup.

Past Performances:
The Mexico national team has competed in the tournament since the inaugural 1930 FIFA World Cup, and has entered ever since, for a total of 15 tournaments, although it has failed to qualify for the finals proper on 3 occasions, 1934 (Italy), 1974 (West Germany) and 1982 (Spain). In addition, it withdrew from the finals in the 1938 (France), and was banned by FIFA from entering the 1990 (Italy) after having been found fielding over-aged players during the 1988 Olympic Games qualifiers which was a youth tournament.

Mexico have every chance of extending their proud record of making it out of their group at every World Cup. Elsewhere in defense, believe it or not, Rafael Marquez is set to participate in a record 5th World Cup at the ripe old age of 39. Marquez has already announced his retirement from club football but will hope to extend his playing career with Mexico by surviving Group F with champions Germany, Sweden and South Korea.

The Squad:
*Goalkeepers : Jesus Corona, Alfredo Talavera, Guillermo Ochoa
*Defenders : Hugo Ayala, Carlos Salcedo, Diego Reyes, Miguel Layun, Hector Moreno, Edson Alvarez
*Midfielders : Rafael Marquez, Jonathan dos Santos, Marco Fabian, Giovani dos Santos, Hector Herrera, Andres Guardado
*Forwards : Raul Jimenez, Carlos Vela, Javier Hernandez, Jesus Corona, Oribe Peralta, Javier Aquino, Hirving Lozano

✨ Sweden

*Current FIFA Ranking : 24
*Previous World Cup appearances : 11 - 1934, 1938, 1950, 1958, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1990, 1994, 2002, 2006
*Best World Cup result : Runners-up - 1958
*Group fixtures : June 18 vs South Korea, June 23 vs Germany, June 27 vs Mexico
*Captain : Andreas Granqvist
*Star Player ⭐: Emil Forsberg
*Head coach : Janne Andersson
*Preferred Formation : 4-4-2

Qualification Route:
Swden secured a 1-0 aggregate victory over Italy in the European play-offs, having finished runners-up to France in Group A in UEFA qualifiers, which paved their way to Russia.

Past Performances:
Sweden have been one of the more successful national teams in the history of the World Cup, having reached 4 semi-finals, and becoming runners-up on home ground in 1958. They have been present at 11 out of 20 World Cups by 2014.

Throughout the World Cup history, Brazil has been Sweden's historical rival. The two countries have met each other seven times but Sweden never managed to win, with five victories for the Brazilian side and two draws. Another historical opponent of Sweden in the finals is (West) Germany: four encounters, with three wins for Germany and one for Sweden.

However, Sweden's success is founded on their togetherness and discipline, both of which were on show as they secured their place at Russia 2018 with a shock 1-0 aggregate win over four-time world champions Italy.

The Squad:

*Goalkeepers : Robin Olsen, Karl-Johan Johnsson, Kristoffer Nordfeldt
*Defenders : Mikael Lustig, Victor Lindelof, Andreas Granqvist, Martin Olsson, Ludwig Augustinsson, Filip Helander, Emil Krafth, Pontus Jansson
*Midfielders : Sebastian Larsson, Albin Ekdal, Emil Forsberg, Gustav Svensson, Oscar Hiljemark, Viktor Claesson, Marcus Rohden, Jimmy Durmaz
*Forwards : Marcus Berg, John Guidetti, Ola Toivonen, Isaac Kiese Thelin

✨ Korea

*Current FIFA Ranking : 57
*Previous World Cup appearances : 9 - 1954, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014
*Best World Cup result : Fourth place - 2002
*Group fixtures : June 18 vs Sweden, June 23 vs Mexico, June 27 vs Germany
*Captain : Ki Sung-yueng
*Star Player ⭐: Son Heung-min
*Head coach : Tae-Yong Shin
*Preferred formation : 4-4-2


Qualification Route :
South Korea was the Group A runners-up in Asian qualifying, finishing seven points behind Iran, but crucially two clear of third-place Syria. They Won Group G in the second round of AFC qualifying.

Past Performances :
Since the 1960s, South Korea has emerged as a major football power in Asia and is historically the most successful Asian football team, having participated in nine consecutive and ten overall FIFA World Cup tournaments, the most for any Asian country. South Korea became the first and currently only Asian team to reach the semi-final stages when they co-hosted the 2002 tournament with Japan. They have since improved their ability to play on foreign soil and were able to reach the Round of 16 in the 2010 World Cup.

South Korea won the first two AFC Asian Cup tournaments though they have been unable to win since, finishing second in 1972, 1980, 1988, and 2015, and third in 1964, 2000, 2007, and 2011. They also took the gold medal at the 1970, 1978, and 1986 Asian Games. They have qualified for every FIFA World Cup since 1986.

The Squad :
*Goalkeepers : Kim Seung-gyu, Kim Jin-hyeon, Cho Hyun-woo
*Defenders : Lee Yong, Jung Seung-hyeon, Oh Ban-suk, Yun Young-sun, Kim Min-woo, Hong Chul, Kim Young-gwon, Jang Hyun-soo
*Midfielders : Park Joo-ho, Ju Se-jong, Koo Ja-cheol, Jung Woo-young, Ki Sung-yueng, Lee Jae-sung, Go Yo-han
*Forwards : Son Heung-min, Kim Shin-wook, Lee Seung-woo, Hwang Hee-chan, Moon Seon-min

GROUP - G

  1. Belgium
  2. Panama
  3. Tunisia
  4. England
✨ Belgium


*Current FIFA Ranking : 3
*Previous World Cup appearances : 12 - 1930, 1934, 1938, 1954, 1970, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2014
*Best World Cup result : 4th place - 1986
*Group fixtures : June 18 vs Panama, June 23 vs Tunisia, June 28 vs England
*Captain : Eden Hazard
*Star Player ⭐: Eden Hazard
*Head coach : Roberto Martinez
*Preferred Formation : 3-4-2-1


Qualification Route:
They are the Group H winners in European qualifying, winning nine games and drawing one, scoring a staggering 43 goals in the process. Belgium became the first European side to join hosts Russia at the 2018 FIFA World Cup after a 2-1 victory away to Greece that ensured the Red Devils to finish top of UEFA Group H, and with it, claim the automatic qualification spot

Past Performances :
Belgium have appeared in the finals tournament of the FIFA World Cup on twelve occasions, the first being at the first in 1930 where they finished in eleventh place. The inaugural FIFA World Cup Final was officiated by Belgian referee John Langenus.

Traditionally, Belgium's greatest rival is Netherlands. The two countries have met each other twice in the history of the FIFA World Cup, with one win for Belgium (USA 1994) and one tie (France 1998). The team that played most against Belgium in the finals is the continuum USSR- Russia: 5 times, with three victories for Belgium and two for the Soviet Union.

Belgium reached six successive World Cups from 1982 through 2002 by playing qualification rounds, a record bettered only by Spain whose 2014 World Cup is their eighth consecutive qualification (a streak going back to 1986).

The Squad:
*Goalkeepers : Koen Casteels, Thibaut Courtois, Simon Mignolet
*Defenders : Toby Alderweireld, Dedryck Boyata, Vincent Kompany, Thomas Meunier, Thomas Vermaelen, Jan Vertonghen
*Midfielders : Nacer Chadli, Kevin De Bruyne, Mousa Dembele, Leander Dendoncker, Marouane Fellaini, Youri Tielemans, Axel Witsel
*Forwards : Michy Batshuayi, Yannick Carrasco, Eden Hazard, Thorgan Hazard, Adnan Januzaj, Romelu Lukaku, Dries Mertens

✨ Panama


*Current FIFA Ranking : 55
*Previous World Cup appearances : Debut
*Best World Cup result : N/A
*Group fixtures : June 18 vs Belgium, June 24 vs England, June 28 vs Tunisia
*Captain : Felipe Baloy
*Star Player ⭐: Luis Tejada
*Head coach : Hernan Gomez
*Preferred formation: 4-1-4-1


Qualification Route :
Panama finished third in the North, Central America and Caribbean standings, pipping Honduras on a goal difference. Panama booked their place at the World Cup for the first time with a 2-1 win over Costa Rica in Panama City.

Past Performances :
Panama attempted to reach FIFA finals on 11 occasions, but failed to do so. Panama came close to advancing out of the fourth round of the qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup. In their last match, which was against the United States, they led 2–1 after 90 minutes and were poised to advance to a play-off against New Zealand, but they conceded two goals in stoppage time and were eliminated, with Mexico taking the playoff slot instead. They finished as runners-up in the 2005 Gold Cup and 2013 Gold Cup. They have also competed in the sub-regional Central American Cup championship which they won in 2009.

The Squad:
*Goalkeepers : Jose Calderon, Jaime Penedo, Alex RodrIguez
*Defenders : Felipe Baloy, Harold Cummings, Eric Davis, Fidel Escobar, Adolfo Machado, Michael Murillo, Luis Ovalle, Roman Torres
*Midfielders : Edgar Barcenas, Armando Cooper, Anibal Godoy, Gabriel Gomez, Valentin Pimentel, Alberto Quintero, Jose Luis Rodriguez
*Forwards : Abdiel Arroyo, Ismael Diaz, Blas Perez, Luis Tejada, Gabriel Torres

✨ Tunisia

*Current FIFA Ranking : 21
*Previous World Cup appearances : 4 - 1978, 1998, 2002, 2006
*Best World Cup result : Group Stage
*Group fixtures : June 18 vs England, June 23 vs Belgium, June 28 vs Panama
*Captain : Aymen Mathlouthi
*Star Player⭐: Wahbi Khazri
*Head coach : Nabil Maaloul
*Preferred formation : 4-5-1


Qualification Route :
Tunisia has officially taken a ticket to the World Cup Russia 2018 after its 0-0 draw against Libya on the last day of the African qualifying. Tunisia was one point ahead of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in group A by 14 points against 13 points.

Past Performances:
Tunisia have appeared in the finals of the FIFA World Cup on four occasions, the first being at the 1978 FIFA World Cup where they finished in ninth position. Between 1998 and 2006 they had a streak of three World Cup qualifications. They will make their fifth appearance at the finals in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. They created history in the 1978 tournament in Argentina by becoming the first African side to win a World Cup match, beating Mexico 3–1. They also held defending champions West Germany to a goalless draw before bowing out.

The Squad:
*Goalkeepers : Farouk Ben Mustapha, Moez Hassen, Aymen Mathlouthi
*Defenders : Rami Bedoui, Yohan Benalouane, Syam Ben Youssef, Dylan Bronn, Oussama Haddadi, Ali Maaloul, Yassine Meriah, Hamdi Nagguez
*Midfielders : Mohamed Amine Ben Amor, Ghaylene Chaalali, Ahmed Khalil, Saifeddine Khaoui, Ferjani Sassi, Ellyes Skhiri, Naim Sliti
*Forwards : Anice Badri, Fakhreddine Ben Youssef, Saber Khalifa, Wahbi Khazri, Bassem Srarfi

✨ England

*Current FIFA Ranking : 12
*Previous World Cup appearancess : 14 - 1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014
*Best World Cup result : Winners - 1966
*Group fixtures : June 18 v Tunisia, June 24 v Panama, June 28 v Belgium
*Captain : Harry Kane
*Star Player ⭐: Harry Kane
*Head coach : Gareth Southgate
*Preferred formation : 3-1-4-2


Qualification Route :
England became the Group F winners in European qualifying, winning eight games and drawing two to finish on 26 points, eight clear of Slovakia, which assured their entrance to Russia.

Past Performances :
England did not enter the competition until 1950, but has entered all seventeen subsequent tournaments. It has failed to qualify for the finals on three occasions, 1974 (West Germany), 1978 (Argentina) and 1994 (United States), and has failed to advance from the group stages on three occasions, at the 1950 World Cup, the 1958 World Cup and the 2014 World Cup. Their best ever performance is winning the Cup in the 1966 tournament held in England, and reaching fourth place in 1990, held in Italy

England are one of only eight countries ever to win the World Cup. They defeated West Germany, 4–2 after extra time to win the World Cup title. England also reached the semi final of the UEFA European Championship in 1968 and 1996. They were the most successful of the "home nations", in the British Home Championship with 54 wins (including 20 shared wins) before the competition was suspended in 1984. England have had more goalless draws than any other team.

The Squad:
*Goalkeepers : Jack Butland, Nick Pope, Jordan Pickford
*Defenders : Fabian Delph, Danny Rose, Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Phil Jones, Gary Cahill
*Midfielders : Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ashley Young, Dele Alli
*Forwards : Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, Marcus Rashford, Danny Welbeck

GROUP - H

  1. Senegal
  2. Poland
  3. Colombia
  4. Japan
✨ Senegal

*Current FIFA Ranking : 27
*Previous World Cup appearances : 1 - 2002
*Best World Cup result : Quarter-final - 2002
*Group fixtures : June 19 vs Poland, June 24 vs Japan, June 28 vs Colombia
*Captain : Cheikhou Kouyate
*Star Player  ⭐: Sadio Mane
*Head coach : Aliou Cisse
*Preferred formation : 4-2-3-1


Qualification Route :
Senegal became the Group D winners in African qualifying, not losing a game en route to finishing five points clear of Burkina Faso. Senegal have seized a second chance to qualify for the World Cup, beating South Africa 2-0 in a replay of a game they first lost last year. Sadio Mane was pivotal in both goals. He set up Diafra Sakho for the opener in the 12th minute and forced an own goal by South Africa defender Thamsanqa Mkhize in the 39th.

Past Performances:
Senegal made its first FIFA World Cup appearance in 2002 and caused a huge upset by defeating World and European champions France 1–0 in the tournament's opening game. Senegal eventually reached the quarter-finals of the 2002 World Cup, one of only three African teams to do so (the first being Cameroon in 1990; the other being Ghana in 2010). In the group, after defeating France, they drew with Denmark and Uruguay, and beat Sweden in extra time in the round of 16, before losing to Turkey in the quarter-finals

Senegal has won the Amilcar Cabral Cup, a regional soccer tournament for West African nations, eight times, more than any other country, with Guinea in second place with five titles

The Squad:
*Goalkeepers : Abdoulaye Diallo, Khadim Ndiaye, Alfred Gomis
*Defenders : Saliou Ciss, Youssouf Sabaly, Kalidou Koulibaly, Kara Mbodji, Lamine Gassama, Moussa Wague, Pape Alioune Ndiaye
*Midfielders : Cheikhou Kouyate, Idrisa Gueye, Salif Sane, Cheikh Ndoye, Alfred Ndiaye
*Forwards : Moussa Sow, Moussa Konate, Diafra Sakho, Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr, Mame Biram Diouf, Mbaye Niang, Keita Balde

✨ Poland

*Current FIFA Ranking : 8
*Previous World Cup appearances : 7 - 1938, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 2002, 2006
*Best World Cup result : 3rd place - 1974 and 1982
*Group fixtures : June 19 vs Senegal, June 24 vs Colombia, June 28 v Japan
*Captain : Robert Lewandowski
*Star Player ⭐: Robert Lewandowski
*Head coach : Adam Nawalka
*Preferred formation : 4-4-1-1


Qualification Route :
Poland became the Group E winners in European qualifying, winning eight games (D1 L1) to finish five points clear of Denmark. The Bayern Munich forward scored 16 goals in 10 games — a European qualifying record — to propel Poland to its first World Cup in 12 years.

Past Performances :
One of the most renowned Polish teams was the one of the mid-1970s. Poland held England to a draw in a dramatic match at Wembley Stadium to qualify for the 1974 FIFA World Cup. Poland reached the semi-finals, where the deciding game against the eventual champions Germany resulted in a narrow 0-1 defeat. Just missing out on the final, Poland ended the tournament by defeating Brazil 1–0 to claim third place in the tournament. Striker Grzegorz Lato won the Golden Boot for his seven goals. Poland also finished third in the 1982 tournament, beating France 3–2 in the third-place play-off.

Poland also won the gold medal in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich; the silver medal in 1976 in Montreal; and a silver medal in 1992 in Barcelona.

The Squad :
*Goalkeepers : Bartosz Bialkowski, Lukasz Fabianski, Wojciech Szczesny
*Defenders : Jan Bednarek, Bartosz Bereszynski, Thiago Cionek, Kamil Glik, Artur Jedrzejczyk, Michal Pazdan, Lukasz Piszczek
*Midfielders : Jakub Blaszczykowski, Jacek Goralski, Kamil Goricki, Grzegorz Krychowiak, Slawomir Peszko, Maciej Rybus, Piotr Zielinski, Rafal Kurzawa, Karol Linetty
*Forwards : Dawid Kownacki, Robert Lewandowski, Arkadiusz Milik, Lukasz Teodorczyk

✨ Colombia

*Current FIFA Ranking : 16
*Previous World Cup appearances : 5 - 1962, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2014
*Best World Cup result : Quarter-final - 2014
*Group fixtures : June 19 vs Japan, June 24 vs Poland, June 28 vs Senegal
*Captain : Radamel Falcao
*Star Player ⭐: James Rodriguez
*Head coach : Jose Nestor Pekerman
*Preferred formation : 4-2-3-1


Qualification Route :
Colombia finished fourth in the CONMEBOL standings for Russia 2018 qualifying after reaching the tournament on the final match day with a 1-1 draw in Peru.

Past Performances :
Colombia qualified for the 1990, 1994, and 1998 World Cups, only reaching the second round in 1990. They missed three World Cups between 2002 and 2010. After a 16-year-long wait, in 2014 Colombia finally returned to the World Cup, where they were able to advance to the quarter-finals, the furthest Colombia has ever made it in a World Cup. Colombia's midfielder James Rodriguez won two awards, the Golden Boot for most goals (6) and Best Goal of the Tournament.

They were the champions of the Copa America, which they hosted and set a new Copa America record of conceding no goals and winning each match. Prior to that success, they were runners-up to Peru in the 1975 Copa America. In total, Colombia has gained a top four result in seven Copa Américas. Colombia was the first team to win FIFA best mover in 1993 where the achievement was first introduced and the second team after Croatia to win it twice in 2012.

The Squad :
*Goalkeepers : David Ospina, Camilo Vargas, Jose Fernando Cuadrado
*Defenders : Cristian Zapata, Davinson Sanchez, Santiago Arias, Oscar Murillo, Farid Diaz, Johan Mojica, Yerry Mina
*Midfielders : Wilmar Barrios, Carlos Sanchez, Jefferson Lerma, Jose Izquierdo, James Rodriguez, Abel Aguilar, Juan Fernando Quintero, Mateus Uribe, Juan Guillermo Cuadrado
*Forwards : Radamel Falcao Garcia, Miguel Borja, Carlos Bacca, Luis Fernando Muriel
✨ Japan

*Current FIFA Ranking : 61
*Previous World Cup appearances : 5 - 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014
*Best World Cup result : Last 16 - 2002 and 2010
*Group fixtures : June 19 vs Colombia, June 24 vs Senegal, June 28 vs Poland
*Captain : Makoto Hasebe
*Star Player ⭐: Keisuke Honda
*Head coach : Akira Nishino
*Preferred formation : 4-2-3-1


Qualification Route :
Japan became the Group B winners in Asian qualifying, finishing on 20 points from 10 games, just one point ahead of Saudi Arabia and Australia. Japan reached the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia after their 2-0 win against Australia on 31 August 2017 which sealed progression from Asia's Group B at the third round stage.

Past Performances :
Japan is one of the most successful teams in Asia, having qualified for the last six consecutive FIFA World Cups with second round advancements in 2002 and 2010, and having won the AFC Asian Cup a record four times, in 1992, 2000, 2004 and 2011. The team has also finished second in the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup. Their principal continental rival are South Korea and most recently, Australia.

Japan is the only team from outside the Americas to participate in the Copa America, having been invited in 1999 and 2011. Although they initially accepted the invitation for the 2011 tournament, the JFA later withdrew following the 2011 Thohoku earthquake and tsumani.

The Squad :
*Goalkeepers : Eiji Kawashima, Masaaki Higashiguchi, Kosuke Nakamura
*Defenders : Yuto Nagatomo, Tomoaki Makino, Maya Yoshida, Hiroki Sakai, Gotoku Sakai, Gen Shoji, Wataru Endo, Naomichi Ueda
*Midfielders : Makoto Hasebe, Shinji Kagawa, Gaku Shibasaki, Ryota Oshima, Hotaru Yamaguchi, Keisuke Honda
*Forwards : Takashi Inui, Takashi Usami, Genki Haraguchi, Shinji Okazaki, Yuya Osako, Yoshinori Muto

⚽⚽⚽         World Cup Trivia       ⚽⚽⚽



 Hosts :

  * On 2 December, 2010, for the first time in its history, Russia was granted the right to host the FIFA World Cup. This is not only the first time in history that Russia plays host to the FIFA World Cup from June 14 to July 15, 2018, but also the first time ever a World Cup will take place in Eastern Europe.
  * The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the first time that matches were held in two different countries — South Korea and Japan. 2018 World Cup is the first in history to witness matches in two different continents — Europe and Asia.


The Mascot :

  * The 2018 World Cup mascot, the representative symbol of the tournament was chosen via online voting. The mascot is a wolf named Zabivaka 🐺 which was designed by a student Ekaterina Bocharova.
  * FIFA World Cup matches didn’t include mascots until a lion known as “World Cup Willie” 🦁 became the face of the England 1966 tournament. Since then, the 12 other World Cup mascots have included everything from an orange (Spain 1982), to a jalapeño pepper (Mexico 1986), to a three-banded armadillo (Brazil 2014).


The teams :

32 teams will take part in the competition. Russia and 13 national teams would represent European zone (Russia was automatically qualified for the Championship as the host country), five national teams from African zone, and ten from Asia and South America, and three from North American zone. Another two tournament tickets will be decided in play-offs.

Venue :

FIFA World Cup matches will be held in 11 cities:

  * Saint Petersburg
  * Ekaterinburg
  * Kazan
  * Samara
  * Volgograd
  * Nizhny Novgorod
  * Saransk
  * Rostov-on-Don
  * Kaliningrad
  * Sochi
  * Moscow
Final matches of the world cup will be held in the beautiful city of Moscow which is the capital of Russia


Winners :

All World Cups before this one have been won by Europeans (11) or South Americans (9) teams. Guess one has to be born in one of the two continents to clench that golden FIFA trophy

Fandom :

We’ve come a long way from 1930. While the fewest number of fans recorded to watch a World Cup football game was 300 back then in Uruguay, the highest attendance ever tuned in to watch the 2014 World Cup. With approximately 3.2 billion spectators all over the world and an average attendance of 53,000 fans per game, the 2014 FIFA tournament broke all records. Guess what would happen at Russia

Nationality :

A curious case of nationality — every team that has ever won a FIFA World Cup has done so under a coach who shares his nationality with his team. There have not been any exceptions to this rule so far, so what happens in Russia will be interesting to watch

Prize Money :

The prize money given by FIFA to the winning team is a hefty $35 million. The runner-up team gets $25 million. No wonder, losing the game is also worthwhile! Actually, there are no losers, for even the participating teams take home about an $8 million cheque each

Ambassadors :

The 2018 FIFA World Cup and each host city will be represented by elected ambassadors - famous people who were either born in those cities, or are somehow related to them. The ambassadors of the World Cup promote sports and healthy lifestyle and promote the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Interesting Facts :

  * Essam El-Hadary, who represents Egypt 🇪🇬 will become the oldest player to play in the world Cup 2018. The veteran goalkeeper is currently 45 years old.
  * Rafael Marquez who represents Mexico, is the only one from 2002 world cup will be ready to play World Cup 2018 in Russia. The 39 years old is one the greatest players Mexico ever had.
  * The official Football ⚽ of the FIFA World Cup 2018 is the named as Adidas Telstar. The word Telstar is mixture of two words Television and star ⭐. The good news is that it is produced by a company named “Forward Sports” in Sialkot, Pakistan 🇵🇰. Although, Pakistan is not playing the FIFA world Cup but biggest football players will be playing with the Football which is made in Pakistan.

  * Two smallest nations Panama 🇵🇦 and Iceland 🇮🇸 created history when they qualified for the 1st time after years of struggle. This shows if you work hard you can achieve anything ✌


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