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Ranking the World Cup groups

By Adam Stocker

CHORZOW, POLAND - MARCH 27: Robert Lewandowski of Poland celebrates scoring a goal during international friendly match between Poland and Korea Republic at Slaski Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Chorzow, Poland. (Photo by Lukasz Sobala/PressFocus/MB Media/Getty Images)
CHORZOW, POLAND - MARCH 27: Robert Lewandowski of Poland celebrates scoring a goal during international friendly match between Poland and Korea Republic at Slaski Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Chorzow, Poland. (Photo by Lukasz Sobala/PressFocus/MB Media/Getty Images) /
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Ranking the eight World Cup groups according to quality, unpredictability and watch-ability.

After four years of waiting, the World Cup returns. The 32 teams that qualified for the World Cup have been divided into eight groups. Those eight groups have been ranked based on the overall quality of the four teams, the unpredictability of the finishing order and the overall watch-ability of the games.

MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY – OCTOBER 10: Luis Suarez of Uruguay celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during a match between Uruguay and Bolivia as part of FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifiers at Centenario Stadium on October 10, 2017 in Montevideo, Uruguay. (Photo by Sandro Pereyra/Getty Images)
MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY – OCTOBER 10: Luis Suarez of Uruguay celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during a match between Uruguay and Bolivia as part of FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifiers at Centenario Stadium on October 10, 2017 in Montevideo, Uruguay. (Photo by Sandro Pereyra/Getty Images) /

8. Group A: Russia, Uruguay, Egypt and Saudi Arabia

Russia are one of the worst host nations in World Cup history, and so it’s no surprise their group is the worst in the tournament. They kick off the tournament on June 14 against Saudi Arabia, which, well, there have been better openers. With Uruguay heavy favorites to top the group, Group A is marked down for unpredictability as well.

Russia have performed poorly in their three World Cup appearances. The hosts have never made it out of the group stage and failed to win a game in 2014. Villarreal player Denis Cheryshev is Russia’s best player, but Aleksandr Golovin is a potential star of the future. Golovin is one of the most in-demand young players, linked with a move to one of Europe’s big five leagues.

Saudi Arabia advanced to the round of 16 in the 1994 World Cup, but haven’t won a game in their three following World Cups. This is the Green Falcons first World Cup since 2006, but don’t expect them to make it out of the group stage. Almost every player on the Saudi squad has played their career exclusively in Saudi Arabi, not exactly box office for most World Cup viewers.

Outside of Liverpool, nowhere in the world was more disappointed to see Mohamed Salah exit the Champions League final than Egypt. The Pharaohs’ World Cup hopes are dependent on Salah being healthy. If Salah isn’t fit, Egypt will struggle to make it our of the group. If he is, they might start dreaming of a run.

Uruguay are, as usual, a popular dark horse pick to win the World Cup. They have an easy path out of the group stage and in Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez probably the best front two at the tournament. Atletic Madrid center-backs Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez anchor what should be a solid defense.