A group-by-group breakdown of every country’s chances

FIFA Ranking (as of June 7) 70. Last time Group stage. Manager Stanislav Cherchesov — former keeper played in two World Cups. Led Polish side Legia Warsaw to a domestic double in 2016, earning him this job after Russia’s Euro 2016 shambles. Doesn’t take any nonsense.

They’re a bit like Leeds United: under pressure from a huge fanbase to perform but unlikely to be anywhere near the silverware.

Key man Igor Akinfeev — goalkeeper seems to have been around for ever but is only 32. Proud captain but notoriously gaffe-prone on the big stage as his costly errors against South Korea and Algeria at the last tournament testify.

Rising star Aleksandr Golovin (right) — 22-year-old midfielder is considered the best of Russia’s young generation. The CSKA Moscow man is quick and technically adept, offering a connection between the midfield and attack down the right.

Prospects There will be immense pressure on Russia to get out of the group stage but that is far from straightforward. Only one host nation has exited in the group before — South Africa in 2010 — and Russia won’t want to be the second.