The top challengers are usually understood, but there are always a few dark horses in the running for every major tournament
The 21st edition of the World Cup kicks off in under three months and some of the best players in world football will grace the stage in Russia.
With 32 teams taking part it can be difficult to predict a winner, but some teams are inevitably better equipped than others when it comes to personnel.
However, at every major tournament there is always room for a dark horse to upset the established order.
So who's the favourite to win the 2018 World Cup?