The 2018 World Cup is on the horizon, with the long-awaited kick-off in Russia only a matter of weeks away.
There will be 32 nations preparing to clash at the tournament for a shot at the biggest prize on offer in international football, including some new faces and the usual suspects.
It’s from those usual suspects that the eventual 2018 victor will surely come from, with former champions and star-studded countries battling for supremacy.
So, ahead of the grandest sporting event of the summer kicking off in June for two months of action, here are five of the key contenders for that illustrious trophy on Russian territory.
Brazil
With the likes of national captain and PSG superstar Neymar within their supreme attacking ranks, Brazil will fancy their chances of prevailing this time around in Russia.
As well as the Ligue 1 ace, Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus, Barcelona attacker Philippe Coutinho and Liverpool marksman Roberto Firmino all make a quite superb forward line for the Samba nation.
It’s because of their wealth of attacking stars and all-round strength that Brazil are regarded as the 4/1 favourites in the football betting from bet365 to claim the trophy outright this summer.
Germany
It’s the Germans who are seen as the 9/2 second-favourites ahead of their hopeful campaign in Russia.
Joachim Low’s Die Mannschaft rallied to victory in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, securing a famous 7-1 victory over Brazil before narrowly toppling Argentina in the final during extra-time to reign supreme. Can they repeat those heroics in Russia? Never rule Germany out!
Spain
The champions of 2010 and a former dominant force on the international stage, Spain can also never be counted out.
Despite their fall from grace at more recent competitions and a change in managers, the Spanish have a squad capable of getting back to the summit of the sport.
They can be backed at 6/1 to go all the way and reclaim the World Cup crown this summer under the guidance of newest boss Julen Lopetegui.
France
Euro 2016 hosts and beaten finalists France endured a tough night when they were outdone by eventual victors Portugal on home soil.
Les Bleus have built up another supreme roster of players from around Europe’s top divisions, including the Premier League, and Didier Deschamps will be confident of going one better than they did two years ago.
France are therefore a worthwhile 13/2 to side with for World Cup glory this time out, which would see them win their second ever title after that famous 1998 triumph in their own backyard.
Argentina
Last but not least, a Messi-led Argentina will also be gunning for success in Russia, as they look to banish the memories of that 2014 final defeat to Germany.
With arguably the greatest player of all time leading them out this summer, they are a promising 9/1 to prevail outright for the first time since 1986.
If you’re planning on placing some bets on the winner of this year’s World Cup, you should take advantage of the many betting tips that are freely available on sites such as https://www.topfootballtipster.com/ where you can find a betting calculator and general betting guides to help increase your chances of winning big. Millions of people all around the world place money on the multiple odds available, so ensure you make your bet a strategic one.
Brazil are the current favourite contenders according to most bookies, but which team will you be putting your money on?
