2018 FIFA World Cup: Group-by-group analysis

Group D

Teams (ranking): Argentina (4), Croatia (17), Iceland (22), Nigeria (50)

Brazil v Argentina - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifier

Locations: Otkrytiye Arena, Moscow; Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad; Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod; Volgograd Arena, Volgograd; Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg; Rostov Arena, Rostov-on-Don

Matchdays: 16 June, 21 June, 26 June

The two times champions will fancy themselves in Group D but their qualifying campaign was not so great. They merely scraped through, courtesy Messi's brilliance. Croatia are one of the most consistent performers in World Cup and their best performance came in 1998 when they lost to France in the Semi-finals.

Iceland finished above Croatia in qualifying and are playing their first World Cup. Nigeria from Pot 4 makes this a Group of Death. There are no clear favorites in Group D and there won't be any easy games either.

Key Fixtures: Argentina vs Croatia and Iceland vs Argentina

Prediction: Expect Argentina to take the top spot and a two way battle between Croatia and Iceland for the 2nd place.

1) Argentina (Q)

2) Croatia (Q)

3) Iceland

4) Nigeria