5 teams who have all but sealed World Cup 2018 participation

Modified Jun 21, 2017 15:47 GMT

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - MARCH 28: Neymar (L) of Brazil struggles for the ball with Dario Veron of Paraguay during a match between Brazil and Paraguay as part of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifier at Arena Corinthians on March 28, 2017 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) — After all, it’s not a World Cup party unless the Brazilians are in town

#3 Germany

SOCHI, RUSSIA - JUNE 19: Joshua Kimmich of Germany in action during the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017 Group B match between Australia and Germany at Fisht Olympic Stadium on June 19, 2017 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) — They will be one of the favourites for the competition

It’s no surprise that reigning world champions Germany are on course to qualify and although they haven’t yet done so, it really is only a matter of time. Essentially an ever-present, from 1954 onwards, a German team has always qualified for the World Cup finals.

Boasting a mean defence, having conceded just one goal (unbeaten thus far) en route to top spot in Group C ahead of Northern Ireland and the Czech Republic, Joachim Loew’s troops are also an offensive machine having netted 27 times.

They will be one of the favourites for the competition – and despite being without the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philip Lahm – their Confederations Cup preparations prove that the future is bright.

Loew has assembled a squad of young and very talented players to spearhead a new generation for Germany, such as Julian Brandt and Julian Draxler. So, alongside the likes of Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller and Toni Kroos they ought to have the perfect blend of youth and experience when they do eventually RSVP to Russia 2018.

Who knows – they might even claim their fifth crown.

Edited by Staff Editor