The 21st edition of the football World Cup (Russia World cup 2018 ) kicks off in  from June 14.

Russia was awarded the 2018 event by FIFA in 2010.

The qualification campaign for the tournament started with 210 countries that involved 872 matches.

Over the next month, 32 teams from across the world will be taking part in the tournament with the final to be played in Moscow on July 15.

There will be 64 games spread over 25 match days.

Playing Countries

Out of 210 countries that started the qualification round, only 32 have made it to Russia:

Group A

Russia

Saudi Arabia

Egypt

Uruguay

Group B

Portugal

Spain

Morocco

Iran

Group C

France

Australia

Peru

Denmark

Group D

Argentina

Iceland

Croatia

Nigeria

Group E

Brazil

Switzerland

Costa Rica

China

Group F

Germany

Mexico

Sweden

South Korea

Group G

Belgium

Panama

Tunisia

England

Group H

Poland

Senegal

Colombia

Four-time World Cup winners Italy and the Netherlands are two of the biggest names to have missed out on qualifying for Russia World Cup 2018.

Italy lost out to Sweden in the playoffs after finishing second in their group while the Netherlands, semi-finalists at Brazil 2014, finished third in their group.

Chile, Cameroon, Ivory Coast and potential 2026 hosts USA will also be spectators at this year's tournament.

At Sokasmart we shall provide you with the most accurate betting tips to and predictions throughout the Russia World cup 2018 season.

Uruguay hosted the first edition of the World Cup in 1930. The hosts also went on to win the tournament but have only managed to win it one more time since then.

Brazil has been the most successful team in the history of the World Cup, having won the tournament five times.

Germany are the defending champions, having beaten Argentina in Brazil four years ago to lift the trophy.

This is the penultimate time that the World Cup will comprise 32 teams. FIFA announced that World Cup 2026 (that follows Qatar 2022) will have 48 teams taking part.

Japan