Group A, Uruguay will start as favourites

Russia, a lowly 65th in FIFA’s rankings, will be reasonably confident of making progress to the last 16 after being drawn against Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Uruguay.

The hosts will face the Saudis, ranked 63rd, in the tournament’s opening match where a win will be essential. Uruguay will be favourites to top the section with Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani forming a fearsome attack although Egypt, back at the finals for the first time since 1990, boast Liverpool’s prolific forward Mohamed Salah.