2018 Global Futbol World Cup Groups and Final Rankings

June 10th, 2018

2018 World Cup Groups and Final Rankings

By Stephen Clark

With the Global Futbol rankings updated in preparation for the World Cup this week (including the Togo and Saudi Arabia friendly), we take a look at each group and predict the nations progressing to the knockout stages.

Group A (139 Ranks)
Russia 10th
Mexico 6th
Solomon Islands 52nd
Faroe Islands 71st

Russia and Mexico are odds-on favourites in this group, with Solomon Islands and Faroe Islands behind the other two in preparation and ability to close out tough games. There is a high chance the first matchups of the group stage that will determine the placings. The key question is: will Russia win against Mexico on their home soil? Russia have won their final two warm up games, including a 4-0 drubbing of the Czech Republic. Mexico have not looked outstanding in their friendlies, though when it comes to the important matches, Mexico have the players to rise to the occasion. The issue for Mexico is also the likes of Faroe Islands stealing a draw against them.

Predictions:

Russia

Mexico

Faroe Islands

Solomon Islands

Group B (109 Ranks)
Spain 8th
Czech Republic 20th
Guatemala 46th
Guinea 35th

According to the sums of rankings, Group B looks like a tight quartet. The likelihood of 6 tight games, however, are not forthcoming in everyone’s predictions. Spain should cater for Guatemala and Guinea, whereas Czech Republic will put up a good fight against the Spaniards. As a dark horse, we see Guinea taking it to the Czech Republic in attack and possibly defeating the European side. Guatemala have a slim chance, but we do not see them winning any games.

Predictions:

Spain

Guinea

Czech Republic

Guatemala

 
Group C (120 Ranks)
Italy 11th
Denmark 13th
Togo 26th
Vietnam 70th

Italy against Denmark is the game of the group stage, with both nations coming into the World Cup with solids wins and high morale. As with Group A, we see this being the game that determines top place. Italy have broken from tradition and decided not to focus on defence, but their friendlies have showcased attacking football. This may be their undoing in the latter stages, but for now, are tactics that will work against Vietnam and Togo. Togo is a formidable African nation, particularly with Adebayor, but they will only take care of Vietnam, who are here to make up the numbers. We see European dominance prevail in this group.

Predictions:

Italy

Denmark

Togo

Vietnam

Group D (109 Ranks)
Germany 2nd
Uzbekistan 32nd
Belgium 18th
St Vincent and the Grenadines 57th

Like Group B, this looks to be a close group. Uzbekistan kept Germany goalless in their last friendly, while scoring a goal themselves. Germany will look to switch that result around and set an example to the other teams by the force they display in their first game. Belgium look shaky at times and will have to play well as a team to progress through this group. St Vincent and the Grenadines are always a dark horse, never knowing what the CONCACAF team will produce on the day. If they can draw against Belgium in the first game, or perhaps sneak a win, it will open this group up wider than most people predict.

Predictions:

Germany

Belgium

St Vincent and the Grenadines

Uzbekistan

Group E (123 Ranks)
Brazil 1st
Cyprus 28th
Poland 33rd
North Korea 61st

Cyprus’ ranking has risen dramatically during and since qualification for the World Cup. Their first game against Brazil will be a true test, but if they can only lose by a goal or two, they will feel confident about the other group games. Poland have been playing lethargically in the friendlies. Will they be overwhelmed by the hype, or will Lewandowski and his teammates rise to the occasion? North Korea, in spite of a solid qualification performance, look to only be making up the numbers. They must grind out some low-scoring draws to have any chance before their final game against Brazil.

Predictions:

Brazil

Poland

Cyprus

North Korea

Group F (145 Ranks)
France 16th
Colombia 7th
Kenya 53rd
Lithuania 69th

Group F has a clear gap between the top two and Kenya and Lithuania. France and Colombia should progress easily from this group. We see Colombia defeating or at least drawing with France, which for some is a surprise, but this is based on recent performances and the knowledge that the French team do not always gel. Kenya and Lithuania, even though solid campaigns brought them to Russia, will not be able to defeat the likes of the group’s giants.

Predictions:

Colombia

France

Kenya

Lithuania

Group G (149 Ranks)
Chile 5th
Ghana 51st
Iraq 44th
Macedonia 49th

Chile is the clear favourite in Group G, with the other three ranked outside the top 40. Ghana’s recent drop in games and thus rankings might have a momentum effect on their World Cup campaign. The question: are Iraq and Macedonia strong enough to defeat them and thus be able to progress to the Round of 16? We think so, and we see the European side nudging out Iraq to advance beyond three games.

Predictions:

Chile

Macedonia

Iraq

Ghana

Group H (120 Ranks)
England 4th
Ecuador 22nd
Costa Rica 38th
Libya 56th

Costa Rica’s ranking of 38th is not flattering, as they often play dynamic football that will serve them well against the likes of Ecuador and Libya. They may even be able to take it to England and possibly hash out a draw. Libya drew with Portugal and beat the Americans 3-1 in their warmup friendlies, so there is a chance they can scrounge out a win and a draw. Ecuador’s team do not look like they will be able to progress to the knockout stage, but one must never ignore their reputation as solid grinders in South America.

Predictions:

England

Costa Rica

Libya

Ecuador

Round of 16 Predictions
Provided everyone goes as assumed, here are the possible outcomes of the Round of 16 and beyond:

Russia 2-1 Czech Republic

Italy 3-1 Belgium

Brazil 2-0 France

Chile 2-1 Costa Rica

Spain 3-1 Mexico

Germany 2-0 Denmark

Colombia 1-1 Poland (Colombia wins on penalties)

England 4-1 Macedonia

Quarter Finals Predictions

Russia 1-2 Italy

Brazil 2-0 Chile

Spain 0-0 Germany (Germany wins on penalties)

Colombia 0-2 England

Semi Finals Predictions
Italy 3-2 Brazil

Germany 1-0 England

Third Place Prediction
Brazil 2-1 England

Final Predictions
Italy 2-2 Germany (Italy wins in extra time)

Our prediction is Germany losing in the final as they did four years ago. Italy is set to win the second Global Futbol World Cup, but all this hinges on their first game against Denmark.

World Cup matches start June 14.