Top 5 contenders for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia

#4 Belgium

Belgium v Gibraltar - FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier

The Belgians have risen to prominence in recent years, with the emergence of several world class players in top leagues across Europe. In fact, Belgian teams have now become feeder clubs for several European heavyweights, consistently producing the best talents in the world.

They were, however, disappointing in the 2016 Euros, and the 2014 World Cup. They were knocked out in the quarterfinals of both tournaments, by Wales and Argentina respectively - teams you would have expected them to get past.

This time around, the squad is more experienced, and with Roberto Martinez and Thierry Henry at the helm, Belgium find themselves sitting atop Group H in the qualifying stages, having won 7 of their 8 matches so far, albeit against weaker teams.

Notably, they are one of the only eight teams to have sealed their qualification.

With Manchester United hitman Romelu Lukaku leading the line, and Eden Hazard, Dries Mertens, Kevin De Bruyne and Yannick Carrasco lining up to support him, Belgium will not be short of attacking firepower.

Axel Witsel, Youri Tielemans, Moussa Dembele, Marouane Fellaini and Steven Defour add steel to the midfield, while Tottenham duo Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen along with Thomas Meunier, Vincent Kompany (if he's fit), Laurent Ciman and Thibaut Courtois round off one of the most balanced national teams in the world right now.