#6 Argentina
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A year out from the World Cup, Argentina still represent something of an unknown quantity. They find themselves fifth in the South American qualifying section, and while that is an improved position, there is as yet no guarantee that they will even make it to Russia. Things, however, do seem to be improving for the side ranked second by FIFA.
They defeated Brazil 1-0 in a recent friendly played in Australia, while new head coach Jorge Sampaoli should install the kind of attacking system that will allow Argentina to get the best out of their myriad of offensive weapons, led by Lionel Messi.
The Argentines, though, had made a habit of choking when it really matters. In each of the last three summers they have made it to big final, all of which they have lost. Perhaps a year away from major competition will help them to shake off that complex.
#5 Chile
Chile are the reigning Copa America champions, winning the competition in both 2015 and 2016 when it was played out as the Copa Centario. Like Argentina, there is no guarantee that they will even make it to Russia, but they are better placed in qualifying, with a home match against their great rivals to come next.
This is a squad that knows each other well, in part thanks to major tournament football in each of the last four summers. There is also a great deal of quality, with Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal the chief talismans for Juan Antonio Pizzi’s side.
They also have the advantage of playing in Russia this summer at the Confederations Cup, which should help them acclimatise and know better what to expect in 12 months. It is a small edge, but it could be important.
