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

#5 Belgium

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - NOVEMBER 09: Eden Hazard of Belgium in action during the international friendly match between Netherlands and Belgium at Amsterdam Arena on November 9, 2016 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) — Will this finally be the year the ever-promising Belgians deliver?

Will this finally be the year the ever-promising Belgians finally deliver on their talent by claiming a piece of international silverware?

Time will tell, of course, but the signs, as usual, are pretty positive that Les Diables Rouges can go all the way.

Also unbeaten in World Cup qualifying, Belgium are in first place in Group H, ahead of nearest rivals Greece and Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Having conceded just two goals so far, scoring 24 along the way, Belgium look in good shape both offensively and defensively, plus they have a core group of veritable superstars who will be expected to produce moments of class.

With clinical striker Romelu Lukaku and creative winger Eden Hazard fit and fresh, their expected 13^th appearance could see them equal their fourth-place, best-ever finish, from Mexico 1986 and they might even get their hands on the famous golden trophy.

Edited by Staff Editor