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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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SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – MARCH 27: France’s Paul Pogba celebrates after scoring the second goal of his team during the International friendly football match at Saint Petersburg Stadium on March 27, 2018, in Saint-Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – MARCH 27: France’s Paul Pogba celebrates after scoring the second goal of his team during the International friendly football match at Saint Petersburg Stadium on March 27, 2018, in Saint-Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images) /

5. Group C: France, Australia, Peru and Denmark

France are heavy favorites to top Group C, and could win the whole tournament. The rest of the group is much harder to call. Australia, Peru and Denmark all qualified through a playoff, and all have the ability to beat each other. That unpredictability should add some intrigue to the battle for second behind Les Bleus.

France’s roster is headlined by Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe, N’golo Kante and Hugo Lloris. Few teams have the quality of attacking talent France possess. Florian Thauvin scored 26 goals and added 18 assists in all competitions with Marseille this season, but will struggle to get on the field this summer. That’s how good France are going forward.

Australia have qualified for three straight World Cups. However, the Socceroos have only made it out of the group stage once. While Australia lack the star power of other teams, they could get out of the group. This may also be the last time we see 38-year-old Tim Cahill playing for Australia. Can he inspire them to one last run to the knockout rounds? Unlikely.

Denmark qualified for the World Cup after beating Ireland in a playoff thanks primarily to their star player, Christian Eriksen. Eriksen is the primary reason to watch the Danes, but Kasper Dolberg and Pione Sisto are two exciting young talents worth keeping an eye on. If the defense holds up, Denmark should feel confident of a second-place finish.

Peru finished ahead of Chile to qualify for the playoff round, where they defeated New Zealand to qualify for their first World Cup since 1982. Like Australia, Peru don’t have major star power, but they do have a talented roster. Jefferson Farfan has had a strong career across several European leagues. Farfan and recently-reinstated captain Paolo Guerrero will lead the attack for the Incas.