Five knockout games

Russia v Saudi Arabia – Thursday June 14

The host team feature in the opening game and, while it is not the most appealing fixture on paper, the first match is always one to watch. Saudi Arabia are the second-lowest ranked team in the tournament – and Russia are the lowest – but whoever wins this game will fancy their chances of making the knockout rounds.

Portugal v Spain – Friday June 15

If the opening game does not whet the appetite, this match up on day two will. European champions Portugal take on Iberian neighbours Spain for just the second time at the finals. If Cristiano Ronaldo and company taking on David Silva, Andres Iniesta and Marco Asensio does not excite, then maybe the World Cup is not for you.

Argentina v Iceland – Saturday June 16

Euro 2016 surprise package Iceland became the smallest nation ever to qualify for the tournament and they could barely have been given a more glamorous opening. Two-time winners Argentina boast Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Paulo Dybala in their ranks and will give Iceland an early test of their capabilities on the world stage.

Denmark v France – Tuesday, June 26

European heavyweights France are expected to go far in the tournament. But that could depend on the outcome of their final group game. France should see off Australia and Peru comfortably enough, but if Denmark do as well it would create a play-off to top the group. With the runners-up in Group C taking on the Group D winners – likely to be Argentina – this would be a must-win game.

England v Belgium – Thursday June 28

Premier League stars Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku will give England a measure of where they stand against the best. But if the game has qualification at stake for either team, it becomes perhaps the biggest game of the entire group stage.