BATTLE lines are being drawn, office sweeps are being done and we’re all gearing up for the biggest event in world football.
So who will win?

Here’s our expert’s rundown of each group, have a read and then determine your winner in our World Cup 2018 predictor!
GROUP A

An intriguing group: Uruguay are clearly favourites, but Russia will have massive home support, Egypt will have Mo Salah — at least for some of the games as he recovers from a Champions League shoulder injury — and Saudi Arabia bested Australia for automatic qualification.

GROUP B

A coach-killer of a pool. The Iberian derby is one thing, Cristiano Ronaldo against Spain, but add in Iran too — the best-ranked side in Asia — and a free-scoring Moroccan side, and no one can take anything for granted.

GROUP C

On the surface, the two European sides should progress. But Australia under new coach Bert van Marwijk will intend to leave their mark, and Peru finished ahead of Chile in qualifying — they also have leading scorer Paolo Guerrero cleared to play.

GROUP D

Lionel Messi’s Argentina should surely stroll it — the battle will be for second. Croatia have unbelievable talent going forward, but a suspect defence. Iceland have the cheery team spirit that caused a sensation at the Euros and Nigeria have plenty of sass.

GROUP E

Should be one of the more straightforward groups, with a Neymar-led Brazil just warming up for the battles ahead and Switzerland likely to be far too well drilled for either Serbia or Costa Rica.

GROUP F

Germany’s defence of their crown starts in a relatively comfortable group, but who claims second behind them could prove to be an interesting race. Mexico generally get out of their group, but Sweden knocked out Holland and Italy in qualifying — and South Korea could shock.

GROUP G

Belgium are ready to rock after disappointing so much four years ago. England for once travel more in hope than expectation, while Panama and Tunisia have on the surface little to trouble the European sides in the group.

GROUP H

The goals of Robert Lewandowski should see Poland come top of their group, but Senegal could be a handful if Sadio Mane fires. Likewise Colombia, with James Rodriguez keen to emulate his performances from four years ago.