Want to know what teams comprise Group A of the World Cup this year and how they stand in the rankings? Here’s the 411…
RUSSIA
Coach Stanislav Cherchesov
Appointed in August 2016 after Russia’s failed European Championship campaign, the pressure is on for the former Spartak Moscow and Russia goalkeeper to deliver on the biggest stage after a disappointing Confederations Cup on home soil last year.
Key Player Fyodor Smolov
With 12 goals in 30 internationals and the highest goal tally in the Russian league in 2015-16 and 2016-17, the Krasnodar forward looks to be Russia’s biggest attacking threat.
Random Fact
Russia have never progressed from the group stage of a World Cup since the Soviet Union era, gaining only two group stage victories in three World Cup campaigns from 1994 to 2014.
FIFA Ranking: 66
SAUDI ARABIA
Coach Juan Antonio Pizzi
The former Spain striker was appointed Saudi Arabia coach in November 2017, a month after his last game as Chile manager – a 3-0 loss to Brazil that saw the South American nation fail to qualify for Russia 2018. However, he achieved Copa América glory in 2016 and reached last year’s Confederations Cup final with the same nation, showing his capability on the world stage.
Key Player Mohammad Al-Sahlawi
Finishing joint top goalscorer in qualification with 16 goals in 18 games, the Al-Nassr forward also has over 100 goals to his name in 174 club games.
Random Fact
Saudi Arabia’s largest ever international victory was in qualifying for Russia 2018, a 10-0 away victory over Timor-Leste, with Al-Sahlawi scoring five goals.
FIFA Ranking: 67
EGYPT
Coach Héctor Cúper
The former Georgia and Real Betis manager took charge of the Pharaohs in March 2015 and steered them to second place in the Africa Cup of Nations 2017. After beating Congo 2-1 in October, the Argentine helped secure Egypt’s first World Cup appearance since 1990.
Key Player Essam El-Hadary
The Al-Taawoun goalkeeper will become the World Cup’s oldest ever player at the age of 45. With four Africa Cup of Nations titles to his name and over 150 international caps, he will be captaining a team looking for their first ever victory at a World Cup finals.
Random Fact
Egypt’s meeting with Russia in Saint Petersburg will be the first ever international game between the two teams.
FIFA Ranking: 46
URUGUAY
Coach Óscar Tabárez
After coaching his country from 1988 to 1990, Tabárez returned for a second stint in 2006. Since then, he has won the 2011 Copa América and reached fourth place in the 2010 World Cup with Uruguay.
Key Player Edinson Cavani
Finishing top scorer in Ligue 1 in 2016-17 and 2017-18 with Paris Saint-Germain, Cavani has also scored 42 goals for his country.
Random Fact
Uruguay have not won their opening World Cup match in their past six campaigns, with their last opening victory being in 1970 against Israel.
FIFA Ranking: 17
> Bradley Montgomery
World Cup: Team A Group Credentials
