Goal takes a look at how some of the tournament's expected challengers are likely to line up in Russia
GoalArgentina
Jorge Sampaoli has been tasked with delivering Argentina their third World Cup and the former Chile boss has a wealth of options available to him in his 23-man squad. Sampaoli has experimented with a variety of formations during his career, but appears to favour 4-2-3-1 with the Albiceleste.
Injury to Sergio Romero means that Willy Caballero should be elevated to the position of No. 1. The Chelsea goalkeeper will have a back line that features Nicolas Otamendi and Federico Fazio at centre-back, with Ajax's Nicolas Tagliafico at left-back and Sevilla full-back Gabriel Mercado on the opposite side.
Either Javier Mascherano or Lucas Biglia are likely to partner Giovani Lo Celso in midfield, with Angel Di Maria deployed further forward. Injury to Manuel Lanzini means that there could well be a tactical re-think, but the likes of Maxi Meza or Cristian Pavon could potentially come into the team. The focal point of Argentina's attack remains Lionel Messi, who will line up at No. 10 and roam freely, while Sergio Aguero should complete the front line instead of Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala.
AdvertisementGoalBelgium
Belgium will hope to be among the teams challenging for the World Cup in Russia and it is easy to see why, considering the riches at Roberto Martinez's disposal. They have been using a variation on a 3-4-3 formation and it seems to get the best out of their key players.
Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois is the first-choice goalkeeper and he will be guarded Vincent Kompany, as well as Tottenham duo Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld. Serving as wing-backs will be Thomas Meunier and Yannick Carrasco.
Kevin De Bruyne and Axel Witsel will dictate proceedings from midfield, with Eden Hazard and Dries Mertens positioned further forward either side of Romelu Lukaku.
GoalBrazil
Brazil boss Tite has been forced to change things up somewhat following the loss of Dani Alves to injury, but the return to full fitness of Neymar provides him with a major boost ahead of the tournament. The former Corinthians boss prefers to use a 4-1-4-1 formation, with the wide players pushing up to join attacks.
Highly sought-after Roma goalkeeper Alisson is the preferred choice between the posts and the 25-year-old should line up with an experienced defence in front of him. Thiago Silva and Miranda are the likely centre-back pairing, with Real Madrid star Marcelo playing at left-back and Man City's Danilo stepping in for the injured Alves.
Casemiro is the midfield enforcer, playing behind the more creative Barcelona duo of Philippe Coutinho and Paulinho. Now that he is fit, Neymar will be the first name on the team-sheet and he'll take up his usual role on the left, with Chelsea winger Willian on the right.
In attack Tite has a tough decision to make between Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino, but the former has been favoured in recent games.
GoalColombia
Colombia reached the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup and they will be hoping to go even further in Russia this summer. Coach Jose Pekerman is vastly experienced and he prefers a 4-4-2 formation to get the best out of his team.
Arsenal's David Ospina is the No. 1 goalkeeper and the 29-year-old will hope he has little to do with Barcelona's Yerry Mina and Tottenham's Davinson Sanchez ahead of him. PSV defender Santiago Arias and Boca Juniors' full-back Frank Fabra are expected to line-up at right-back and left-back respectively.
In central midfield, a pairing of Carlos Sanchez and Wilmar Barrios looks like the preferred choice, with Juventus winger Juan Cuadrado on the right and Bayern Munich's James Rodriguez – winner of the Golden Boot in 2014 – on the left. Radamel Falcao is team captain and will be one of the first names on the team-sheet, with Sevilla's Luis Muriel likely to get the nod ahead of Carlos Bacca.
Pekerman has number of options in reserve; the likes of Brighton's Jose Izquierdo offers a dynamic back-up to James, while AC Milan defender Cristian Zapata boasts plenty of experience.