THE GROUP STAGE OF THE WORLD CUP IS MORE COMPLICATED THAN EVER BEFORE
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* GROUP A
Teams: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czech Republic
Co-hosts Mexico should feel confident about topping their group on home soil, with a talented, exuberant squad headlined by striker Raul Jimenez and 17-year-old sensation Gilberto Mora. Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in and South Korea will hope to spoil the party.
* GROUP B
Teams: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
Landing with the Swiss wasn't an ideal outcome for co-hosts Canada. Switzerland are Euro 2024 quarter-finalists, knockout phase regulars and a disciplined team with weapons in attack. Canada should at least finish second.
* Group C
Teams: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Brazil are outright favourites to top the group. Vinicius Junior looms as the star, while all eyes will be on injury-riddled Neymar. Morocco finished fourth in Qatar, while Scotland are one of the fun stories of the tournament.
* Group D
Teams: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey
Arguably the toughest, most even group to pick. Turkey, headlined by Kenan Yildiz and Arda Guler, look the pick of the bunch. Co-hosts the US have a point to prove, Australia can never be written off and Paraguay were the form team in South American qualifying.
* Group E
Teams: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Germany suffered group-stage exits at the past two World Cups, but it's hard to see that happening again. Ecuador are strong defensively and look dangerous, while debutants Curacao and Ivory Coast will likely face off for third place.
* Group F
Teams: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia
A tantalising group that offers plenty of potential for chaos. The Netherlands should be the favourites to finish top, but Japan are every chance of winning this group and a smoky to go deep.
* GROUP G
Teams: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Ever-present Belgium are the favourites, given their wealth of talent. Mohamed Salah's Egypt will be eyeing second, along with Iran, who have plenty of quality but have dealt with a lot of barriers just to get here. New Zealand are the minnows.
* GROUP H
Teams: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Spain's clash with Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay will almost certainly determine who tops this group. The reigning European champions are favourites even with Lamine Yamal battling a hamstring injury. Debutants Cape Verde hope to do something special.
* GROUP I
Teams: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway
Labelled the group of death, and it is easy to see why. France are always contenders, but Erling Haaland's Norway are on the march. Senegal are no strangers to causing upsets, while Graham Arnold-led Iraq will never write themselves off.
* GROUP J
Teams: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Reigning champions Argentina should top the group in Lionel Messi's swansong. Austria, at their first World Cup in 28 years, and Algeria should jostle for second place, while debutants Jordan will chase upsets.
* Group K
Teams: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia
Portugal have an exciting squad, an ageing Cristiano Ronaldo to manage and are capable of making a deep run. Dynamic Colombia should jostle for top spot. DR Congo will back themselves to reach the knockout round, while Uzbekistan are on debut.
* GROUP L
Teams: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
England, attempting to end 60 years of hurt, and old foes Croatia will jostle for top spot. Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions are slight favourites, while Ghana and Panama are dangerous, but likely scrapping for third.