Should England be ranked higher or lower?
Should England be ranked higher or lower?

World Cup 2018 guide and odds: Every team's ranking position ahead of the tournament in Russia


It's the final in-season international break before the World Cup. We look at where each team places in the FIFA World Rankings.


Germany – 1

It comes as no surprise to see 'Die Mannschaft' sit top of the pile ahead of the World Cup.

Joachim Loew's side won the world title in 2014 and followed that up with a third-place finish at the European Championships in 2016.

Germany qualified for this World Cup without dropping a single point in qualification, winning all ten of their games.

They go to Russia as strong contenders to defend their title, and are priced as the 9/2 favourites to do just that.

Brazil – 2

The Brazilians have bounced back from humiliation at the last World Cup on their own soil and find themselves back in second place in the World Rankings.

They were heavily beaten 7-1 by Germany at the semi-final stage in 2014, which led to questions of what the future could be for them.

Brazil qualified for this one with ease, sitting ten points clear of Uruguay at the top of the CONMEBOL qualifying table.

They replicate their ranking by sitting as 5/1 second favourites to win the 2018 World Cup.

Portugal: Euro 2016 winners
Portugal: Euro 2016 winners

Portugal – 3

The 2016 European champions sit third as they head to Russia full of confidence.

They beat hosts France in the final two years ago, but find themselves at a huge 25/1 to win the biggest prize of them all.

Portugal won Group B of UEFA qualifying, just avoiding the play-offs as they beat Switzerland on goal difference.

Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates will battle rivals Spain for top spot in Group B, but should progress through as they also come up against Morocco and Iran.

Argentina – 4

A familiar face at the latter stages of most World Cup tournaments, Argentina enter this one looking to secure their third world title.

They sit 4th in the World Rankings, and should progress past Group D as they come up against Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria.

They possess the world class talent of Lionel Messi alongside the likes of Manchester City's Sergio Aguero and have the quality required to win a World Cup.

Argentina are in the mix to win the tournament, priced at 15/2 to lift the trophy.

Belgium: Europe's first qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup
Belgium: Europe's first qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup

Belgium – 5

They're experiencing their golden generation of talent, but currently have little to show for it.

Regardless, Belgium find themselves as the fifth best footballing nation according to FIFA and big things are expected of them in Russia.

They are in Group G alongside England, Panama and Tunisia, and sit as big as 11/1 to win the tournament.

The likes of Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku will put them in a strong position when June arrives.

Poland – 6

Probably one of the more surprising teams in the FIFA World Rankings is Poland, and the fact that they sit as the sixth-best team in international football.

Now, whether they are just that is up for debate, but they've played the rankings system pretty well to put themselves in the best possible position in Russia.

The FIFA World Rankings states: "A team’s total number of points over a four-year period is determined by adding the average number of points gained from matches during the past 12 months and the average number of points gained from matches older than 12 months (depreciates yearly)."

To keep their points, nations are required to play five games a year, which the Poles have easily managed in qualification. They played minimal friendlies around that time to keep to the standards, meaning that they find themselves in a lofty position in the World Rankings.

Despite being sixth, they are a huge 50/1 to win the World Cup.

Poland striker Robert Lewandowski celebrates
Poland striker Robert Lewandowski celebrates

Spain – 6

They were crowned World Champions in 2010, and Spain come into this tournament level on points with Poland.

However, they were far from reaching the same heights four years later, being knocked out at the group stages.

Despite disappointment in 2014, Spain bounced back by finishing top of Group G in UEFA qualifying, dropping just two points in ten games.

That form sees them sit at 6/1 to repeat their heroics of 2010, and they have the quality within their squad to at least come close.

Switzerland – 8

They made the last-16 stage for just the third time since 1954 in 2014, but Switzerland will be aiming to go further this time around.

Sitting 8th in the World rankings, they are a massive 100/1 to win the World Cup in 2018.

They do face a difficult route if they are to advance to the quarter-final though. They should finish second in their group behind Brazil, which would set up a last-16 clash with Germany.

Switzerland need to win their group or it could be an early trip home for Vladimir Petkovic's side.

Antoine Griezmann
France's Antoine Griezmann

France – 9

They were winners in 1998, followed by runners up in 2006, but there was disappointment in 2010 and 2014 for a France side who currently sit 9th in the FIFA World Rankings.

Didier Deschamps' men enter the tournament at 11/2 third-favourites, and have the talent required to reach the latter stages.

If they win their group, the could have a route of Iceland, Portugal, Brazil and Germany to the World Cup, which isn't as bad as it could be for some of the other teams.

Peru - 11

They may sit as huge 250/1 outsiders, but Peru travel to Russia as one of the higher ranking sides.

The South American side qualified for the tournament through the inter-confederation play-offs, beating New Zealand 2-0 on aggregate.

Peru join France, Australia and Denmark in Group C and may end up facing rivals Argentina if they finish runners-up. A tough ask for a side that has failed to make it past the quarter-final stages at any World Cup.

Peru at World Cup draw
Peru drawn out at the World Cup draw

Denmark – 12

Denmark go to Russia as one of the highest ranking European sides, but have to be prepared to work hard to get out of Group C.

They're 9/2 to win Group C, and priced at 5/4 to finish as the runners-up.

Denmark have a real possibility of progressing, but like Peru, face a potential tough test in Argentina at the first knock-out hurdle.

Colombia – 13

Colombia will line-up alongside Poland in Group H confident of progression past the group stages.

They'll be joined by Senegal and Japan in what could be viewed as a fairly open group, but one in which Colombia find themselves 6/4 to win.

Colombia progressed through by a single point in South American qualification, and could be England's first opponent at the knock-out rounds.

Ivan Strinic of Croatia tackles Zeca of Greece
Ivan Strinic of Croatia tackles Zeca of Greece

Croatia – 15

Croatia will fancy their chances of progression from Group D and currently sit in 15th in the World Rankings ahead of the tournament.

They're 11/8 to finish as the runners-up in their group, which could set up a potential clash with France at the round of 16 stage.

They possess the likes of Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic within their ranks and have the quality required to progress out of their group.

England – 16

Sitting in 16th in the World Rankings is Gareth Southgate's England side, who enter the tournament as 16/1 outsiders.

It's been disappointment for England at major tournaments in recent years, and they face a battle to kick on in Russia.

They're expected to come second to Belgium in Group G, which could set up tricky clashes with Columbia and Germany in the knock-out stages.

England may possess the best domestic league in world football, but the national team are likely to return empty-handed in the summer.

Harry Kane in action for England against Malta
Harry Kane in action for England against Malta

Mexico – 17

Mexico sit 17th in the FIFA World Rankings and face Iceland, Croatia, Wales and Scotland in their preparations for Russia 2018.

They join Germany, Sweden and South Korea in Group F, and will have to settle for second with Germany very likely to win the group.

They have made the round of 16 stage for the last six World Cups and should reach the same stage again in Russia.

Iceland – 18

A familiar name to many England fans, Iceland have grown from strength to strength since they dumped then-manager Roy Hodgson's side out of Euro 2016.

They sit 18th in the World Rankings, and will look to cause more upsets in Group D alongside Argentina, Croatia and Nigeria.

Iceland can be found at 4/1 to finish as runners-up in the group, which seems a fairly big price given previous achievements.

Iceland have reached the World Cup finals
Iceland have reached the World Cup finals

Sweden – 19

Sweden have bounced back from failure to qualify for two consecutive World Cups by making the cut for Russia 2018.

Their best ever appearance came in 1958 when the finished runners-up, but it's unlikely that Sweden will even come close to repeating that this year.

They can be found at 2/1 to finish as runners-up in Group F, where they will most likely battling Mexico for the spot.

Uruguay – 22

They may have been the first country to lift the World Cup back in 1930, but Uruguay have seen mixed luck in recent times at this tournament.

Sitting 22nd in the FIFA World Rankings, they are the highest rank side in Group A, giving them a good opportunity to progress to the knock-out stages.

They are even money to win Group A and progress, setting up a likely meeting with Portugal in the round of 16.

Tunisia players celebrate after qualifying for the World Cup
Tunisia players celebrate after qualifying for the World Cup

Tunisia – 23

The third side to make up England's group is Tunisia, who have qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 2006.

They sit at 6/1 to finish runners-up and progress, and face a huge task if they are to get past Belgium and England in Group G.

Tunisia have never got out of the group stage at a World Cup in four attempts, and are unlikely to get further this time.

If you love an underdog story though, they are 750/1 to lift the trophy in Russia.

Costa Rica – 26

Much like Iceland, Costa Rica know about causing upsets when they progressed out of their group at the World Cup in 2014.

They now find themselves 26th in the FIFA World Rankings, and are paired alongside Brazil, Switzerland and Serbia in Group E.

Despite having the talents of Switzerland and Brazil in their group, they showed at the last World Cup that they are capable of upsetting the odds and can be found at 9/2 to finish as Group E runners-up.

Costa Rica celebrate scoring against Uruguay
Costa Rica celebrate scoring against Uruguay

Senegal – 27

They failed to make the World Cups in 2006, 2010 or 2014, but Senegal are back and sitting in 27th ahead of Russia 2018.

In Group H, Senegal can be found at 4/1 to win the group and progress, showing how open it is between the four sides.

A 2-0 victory over South Africa sent them to this tournament, but it may be an early exit for the side that made the quarter-final stage back in 2002.

Iran – 33

Iran sit 33rd and are back for their second consecutive World Cup, having picked up a single point in Group F at Brazil 2014.

It's the first time in their history that they will appear at back-to-back tournaments, and will be aiming for just their second-ever win at the World Cup finals.

They sit as the 20/1 outsiders in Group B, and will be targeting Morocco as their possibility for three points.

Matic celebrates goal against Palace
Nemanja Matic: Serbia's vice-captain

Serbia – 34

They beat the Republic of Ireland to top spot in their qualification group, and Serbia sit 34th in the World Rankings ahead of the summer.

'The Eagles' have been hit and miss in terms of World Cup appearances in recent years, missing out in Brazil but taking a place in South Africa, only to be defeated at the group stages.

Serbia face a tricky test in Group E and will have to battle Brazil, Switzerland or Costa Rica for a place in the knockout stages, and can be backed at 2/1 to finish runners-up in the group.

Australia – 37

Sitting 37th in the World Rankings, Australia are back for their third consecutive World Cup appearance.

The Socceroos were made to work to qualify this time around, a two-legged victory over Honduras enough to send them to Russia.

They're the 16/1 outsiders for Group C, and will face a difficult task to beat two of France, Denmark and Peru to a top spot.

Bert van Marwijk
Bert van Marwijk: Australia head coach

Morocco – 42

They'll most likely be heading home early having been drawn in Group B with Spain and Portugal, but nevertheless Morocco currently sit 42nd in the World Rankings.

2018 will be their first World Cup appearance in 20 years and just their fifth tournament that they have participated in.

The 'Atlas Lions' reached the quarter final stages of the 2017 African Cup of Nations, but it's very unlikely that they'll go that far on the world stage.

Egypt – 44

'We've got Salah, do do do do do do' - and the Egyptians will be hoping he's firing as they aim to progress out of Group A.

They're 5/1 shots to win the group, rivalling Uruguay and Russia for the top spot.

Egypt are making their first World Cup appearance since 1990, and have won four African Cup of Nations title in that time. They also finished runners-up in last year's tournament.

'The Pharaohs' are 44th in the World ahead of the trip to Russia, but could jump up some places given the talent that they possess.

Mohamed Salah celebrates
Mohamed Salah: Egypt's star ahead of the World Cup

Nigeria – 52

They were African Cup of Nations champions back in 2013, but recent years have seen Nigeria slip to 52nd in the FIFA World Rankings.

The 'Super Eagles' have featured at five of the last six World Cups, and faced England back in 2002 as they finished bottom of their group.

They did make the round of 16 in Brazil four years ago, but find themselves priced at 11/8 to finish bottom of Group D in the summer.

Panama – 53

They make their World Cup debut in Russia this summer, and find themselves in 53rd in the World Rankings following a revival in recent years.

They don't boast household names, with the likes of Dinamo Bucuresti's Jaime Penedo, Seattle Sounders' Roman Torres and San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Anibal Godoy arguably their most 'well-known' players.

It will probably be an early trip back home for 'Los Canaleros', but they can be found at 11/1 to qualify from Group G if you fancy an upset.

Roman Torres
Roman Torres: scored for Panama as they qualify for first World Cup

Japan - 55

They hosted the tournament back in 2002, and have qualified for their sixth consecutive World Cup by making the cut for Russia.

Their squad sees the likes of Leicester City's Shinji Okazaki, Pachuca striker Keisuke Honda and Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Makoto Hasebe, who should captain the side.

Japan are placed in the quite open group of Colombia, Poland and Senegal, with 13/8 available on them to qualify from Group H despite being the fourth lowest ranked team at the tournament.

South Korea – 59

Like Japan, South Korea also hosted the 2002 tournament and have secured qualification for their nine consecutive appearance at the competition.

Despite boasting the likes of Tottenham star Son Heung-min and Swansea City's Ki Sung-yueng, South Korea find themselves 59th in the World Rankings and sit as 3/1 outsiders to secure passage through Group F.

They've been given a tough draw as they come up against defending champions Germany, and it's unlikely that we will see them at the knockout stages.

Heung-Min Son after his superb equaliser
Heung-Min Son: South Korea's star

Russia – 63

The team with the smallest amount of work to do in terms of qualification is Russia, who host the tournament for the first time in their history.

Naturally, they are in Group A, and can be found at 6/4 to win their group despite being the second-lowest ranked side.

Their current squad mostly all play their football in the Russian league, with just three players featuring for clubs elsewhere.

Goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev is arguably their most well-known player, and will captain his side in front of their home crowd.

Saudi Arabia – 69

The lowest-ranked side heading to Russia in the summer is Saudi Arabia, who sit all the way down in 69th ahead of the tournament.

They'll be alongside Russia in Group A, the group with the most 'low-ranked teams'.

Despite that, they're a huge 9/1 to reach the knockout stages. Fancy a Leicester City-esque fairytale? The 'Green Falcons' are 2000/1 to win the World Cup this year.


Odds correct at 1100 GMT (20/03/18)

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