France's Antoine Griezmann, left, and Paul Pogba attend a training session at the Glebovets Stadium in Istra, Moscow, on Monday. AFPFor the next one month, Russia will hog the limelight as the largest country on the planet hosts the world's most popular spectator sport.
The FIFA World Cup, the first to be staged in eastern Europe, is a compelling study of probabilities.
Though the bookmakers have favoured eternal favourites Brazil and holders Germany to take home the title on July 15, there are other teams who have the firepower to upset the apple cart.
Brazil have been excellent in the run up to the World Cup. The Samba Boys, coached by Tite, have the belief that they can exorcise the ghosts of Belo Horizonte when Germany routed them 7-1 in the semifinals of the last edition.
Neymar, who has made a quick recovery after an ankle surgery, will have a pivotal role to play if the Selecao are to win a record-extending sixth title.
Germany, coached by Joachim Loew, have the pedigree and class to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back titles. But it's a Herculean task and Germany's recent form has not been great.
But Germany can't be ruled out in any major competition.
Here are the other teams that can run riot.
French challenge
France, coached by Didier Deschamps, boasts of a world-class team, which will be keen on taking home its second title.
The Les Bleus fell at the final hurdle in the 2016 European Championships, but with top players such as Antoine Griezmann, Paul Pogba, Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappe in their ranks, Deschamps could well become only the second player after German great Franz Beckenbauer to win the World Cup both as captain and coach.
Argentine armour
Argentina are always champion stuff and this time, talismanic Lionel Messi would want to drive home a point.
Lionel Messi, left, and his strike partner Sergio Aguero will have a huge role to play in the Argentine campaign. AFPThey were unimpressive in the South American qualifiers, but the genius of Messi means Argentina can outsmart any team in the fray. Messi came agonisingly close to realising his dream of lifting the World Cup last time around in Brazil. This is most likely to be Messi's World Cup swansong and the little big man will move heaven and earth in his pursuit of glory.
Spanish Armada
Spain face European champions Portugal in their opening group game and the 2010 winners will be keen to put the bitter memories of Brazil 2014 behind them where they crashed out in the opening round. But the sacking of coach Julen Lopetegui couple of days prior to their opener is likely to unsettle the squad. Only time will how much impact it will have on the Spanish campaign.
English elegance
England have been on an upward curve under the stewardship of Gareth Southgate. The young team led by Harry Kane is full of talent and brimming with confidence. But there is a big question mark over their temperament. England failed to get past the group stage in Brazil 2014 and were stunned by minnows Iceland in the pre-quarterfinals of Euro 2016. It's going to be a litmus test for England and Southgate.
Belgian boom
Belgium will be banking on Eden Hazard's mastery. ReutersBelgium are full of supremely talented players and can give any side a run for their money. Eden Hazard is a class apart and with players such as Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku for company, the Red Devils should fancy their chances. Belgium's golden generation can herald a new era and Russia 2018 will provide an answer to it, many feel.
Portuguese pursuit
Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, too, cannot be written off, though the burden of expectation is a bit too much even for a champion like Ronaldo. It will be a miracle if Portugal go on to achieve the double of Euro and World Cup. The opening game against Spain could set the tone for their campaign and the Portuguese will be eager to pick up at least a point from the marquee clash.
Dark horses
Every World Cup has its underdog story and this edition too be will be no exception. Colombia and Uruguay from South America, European outfits Croatia and Poland and African challengers Tunisia and Egypt are all capable off springing a surprise or two.
Irrespective of the results, a treat is in store for football fans. The introduction of Video Assistant Referee system will eliminate big, match-changing mistakes. It will add more drama to the proceedings in the middle.
The World Cup is the platform where legends are made. The quadrennial event has witnessed some of the greatest performances ever dished out. In a month, the world will witness exquisite football for sure. Over to Moscow.
