FIFA WORLD CUP

Spain, Germany, France and Belgium lead the regional charge in Russia

On 14 June, the biggest spectacle in sport will begin. The 21st edition of the FIFA World Cup will kick-off across 12 venues in 11 cities across Russia’s vast landscape, with 32 of the world’s finest football nations battling to claim one of the most renowned trophies in sport.

At no other time is the game so fairly represented on an intercontinental level, with the mighty South American nations of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Peru and Colombia joined by countries from Asia (South Korea, Japan); Africa (Senegal, Tunisia, Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt); North America (Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama) and even Oceania (Australia).

But what of Europe’s and the Middle East’s chances of lifting the FIFA World Cup Trophy on 15 July?

EME Outlook has taken a tour through this year’s Groups to plot a path for an EME victor in Russia.