The stage is almost set for this year's World Cup to begin in Qatar, with the hosts due to kickoff their winter showpiece against Ecuador on Sunday.
While it has been engulfed by controversy, some of the biggest stars on the planet have flocked to the Middle East to battle it out in the major tournament - but who will prevail?
We asked Sportsmail's team of experts for their World Cup winners, dark horses, breakout stars and more ahead of Sunday's curtain raiser.
World Cup winner?
Graeme Souness - ARGENTINA
Brazil have a good group of players and the Germans always turn up for tournaments but Argentina have a very good chance.
Micah Richards - BRAZIL
There are questions about their defence but their attack is phenomenal and they have been unbeatable — albeit without facing European opponents — for two years.
Martin Keown - BRAZIL
I was like a big kid this week filling in my World Cup wallchart with my predictions. In the end, it came down to a Brazil-France final. If that comes to fruition, Brazil win it.
Chris Sutton - FRANCE
They can be first the country since Brazil (’58 and ’62) to win it back to back. It’s Messi and Ronaldo’s last dance on the biggest stage, but I can see Mbappe making it his tournament
Ian Ladyman - BRAZIL
Have you seen their forward line? It’s extraordinary and as long as the five-time winners do not implode, there is no reason why they should not lift the trophy again.
Sami Mokbel - BRAZIL
Have you seen their forward line? It’s extraordinary and as long as the five-time winners do not implode, there is no reason why they should not lift the trophy again.
Matt Barlow - BRAZIL
Oodles of attacking flair. Settled and solid with so much depth and sure to be adopted by the home crowd.
Kathryn Batte - ARGENTINA
They’re in good form and have a manager who has already delivered the Copa America. With no outstanding team, this could finally be Lionel Messi’s moment.
Dominic King - BRAZIL
It’s not original to pick the favourites but it has been 20 years since Brazil won this trophy and it’s time they put that right
Ian Herbert - ARGENTINA
Unbeaten since 2019, Copa America triumph over Brazil last year and potential for a legendary last World Cup for Lionel Messi. The stars seem to be aligning.
How far will England go?
Graeme Souness - SEMI-FINALS
I can see them reaching the last four and, with a big slice of luck, even the final. But only if Harry Kane has a great World Cup.
Micah Richards - SEMI-FINALS
If all goes well, it’s going to be a showdown with France in the last eight. We can beat them but I’m not sure our journey goes beyond the semis.
Martin Keown - QUARTER-FINALS
England are more than good enough to reach the last eight, where they may face France. I fear the French will ultimately prove too strong for us, although I hope I’m wrong!
Chris Sutton - QUARTER-FINALS
I’m predicting we’ll reach the last eight before getting our coats as we head home from Qatar.
Ian Ladyman - QUARTER-FINALS
If Kane stays fit then England can go deep into the tournament and it will depend on how kind their half of the draw turns out. But this is an England squad with too many issues to win it.
Sami Mokbel - QUARTER-FINALS
That would set up a meeting with France, where gallant defeat would be an acceptable exit. England could beat them though…
Matt Barlow - QUARTER-FINALS
Just like the good old days. Home for Christmas shopping and mince pies.
Kathryn Batte - QUARTER-FINALS
The squad is missing a standout centre back and midfielder and is overly reliant on Harry Kane. We do better when we’re pessimistic…
Dominic King - LAST-16
For a long time, I have seen the last 16 as a huge hurdle because Holland or Senegal will be formidable opponents. I’ll be pleasantly surprised if England clear it.
Ian Herbert - SEMI-FINALS
Possible quarter-final against France is not as ominous as it looks, with some big names missing. A Germany free of expectations could lie beyond.
Golden Boot winner?
Graeme Souness - LIONEL MESSI
Kane is in with a good chance but if Argentina do make this a fitting Messi swansong, the little maestro will take that prize.
Micah Richards - NEYMAR
His form for Paris Saint-Germain has been outstanding this season and he really looks to be enjoying himself. The Brazil forward will want to light up this tournament.
Martin Keown - KYLIAN MBAPPE
With France as my finalists, the 23-year-old prodigy should have plenty of chances to get in on the goals at this tournament.
Chris Sutton - KARIM BENZEMA
Kane has a chance, if only because I can see him cleaning up in England’s group, but with France as my winners, I’m backing Karim Benzema to score for fun.
Ian Ladyman - HARRY KANE
Given England’s relatively straightforward group fixtures, I am going for the Spurs man to repeat his feat of 2018 and become the first player to win the award twice.
Sami Mokbel - NEYMAR
This can be the tournament where he becomes a Brazil legend. He’s having an impressive season with PSG and heads into the tournament in good nick
Matt Barlow - KYLIAN MBAPPE
The French may be flirting with more farce and self-harm but it won’t stop him scoring goals. Prolific this season with a point to prove after a last-16 exit in the Euros.
Kathryn Batte - LIONEL MESSI
A favourable group where he can rack up the goals early and he will also take penalties and free-kicks.
Dominic King - KYLIAN MBAPPE
Provided France can keep their emotions in check, he’ll show why he’s on £1million a week.
Ian Herbert - KARIM BENZEMA
Has none of the noise that Kylian Mbappe has generated around himself. Arrives on the back of an impressive start to Real Madrid’s season.
Dark horses?
Graeme Souness - SWITZERLAND
They had a great Euros, eliminating France on penalties, and are capable of reaching the knockout stage behind Brazil.
Micah Richards - SENEGAL
The best team in Africa and they have world-class quality in all areas. Any team who underestimate them will be in trouble.
Martin Keown - DENMARK
They beat France 2-1 in June and 2-0 in September and now they’re in the same group. If the Danes can beat the French again, that can drastically change the make-up of the latter stages.
Chris Sutton - HOLLAND
I was going to say Senegal but Mane’s injury is a huge blow. So it’s the Dutch. Not favoured like Brazil, Argentina and France — but have a chance.
Ian Ladyman - DENMARK
Looked seriously capable during their run to the semi-finals of the Euros last summer. They stormed through World Cup qualifying and represent a decent each-way bet.
Sami Mokbel - HOLLAND
They have all the raw materials to be strong contenders. Van Dijk, De Jong and Depay are big names. If Van Gaal can harness them they’ll be a threat.
Matt Barlow - CROATIA
Finalists in 2018 but unburdened of pressure and expectation. Nice blend of experience, exciting young players and confidence after topping their Nations League group ahead of France and Denmark.
Kathryn Batte - BELGIUM
The golden generation’s last chance. They’ve never quite hit the heights but anything is possible when you have Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings.
Dominic King - SENEGAL
World-class goalkeeper, outstanding central defender, outstanding midfield, brilliant forwards and a smart manager. Underestimate them at your peril.
Ian Herbert - HOLLAND
Big names, small expectations and Louis van Gaal, who proved at Brazil 2014 how adept he is at getting the best out of a talented team.
Player you can't wait to watch
Graeme Souness - LIONEL MESSI
Knows it’s his last World Cup and will be aware of the notion — an utterly ludicrous one — that he’s not done it at the previous three.
Micah Richards - KYLIAN MBAPPE
I absolutely love him; he scores goals, plays with imagination and if France go the distance, he most likely wins the Golden Boot.
Martin Keown - LIONEL MESSI
He always has to be the footballer you’re most looking forward to seeing. The Argentina team are tailored to get the best out of him.
Chris Sutton - JUDE BELLINGHAM
There are a few, but I’m most intrigued by our Jude. He’s excelled with Dortmund and we’re expecting big performances from him for England, despite his tender age of 19.
Ian Ladyman - LIONEL MESSI
World Cups are about world stars and this is the final time we’ll see the Argentina great on this stage. It would be lovely to witness him do something special.
Sami Mokbel - CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN
For purely emotional reasons. We feared for his life when he collapsed on the pitch at Euro 2020. Eighteen months later, he’s playing at the World Cup!
Matt Barlow - LIONEL MESSI
As ever, it remains a privilege to see him doing his thing and his personal narrative in what will probably be his last World Cup will captivate us all.
Kathryn Batte - KYLIAN MBAPPE
Bound to be more determined than ever after a disappointing Euros and has been in red-hot form for PSG.
Dominic King - LIONEL MESSI
This, most likely, will be his last World Cup. To see the greatest of all time on this stage, in person, will be a privilege.
Ian Herbert - PEDRI
Young Player of the Tournament at Euro 2000 and already a key man for Spain. Wonderful vision in the central areas and superb at linking with the left back.
Breakout star?
Graeme Souness - PHIL FODEN
Still only 22 and a wonderfully gifted player. I think the world will be hearing and talking a lot about him in the weeks ahead.
Micah Richards - AURELIEN TCHOUAMENI
It might seem strange flagging up someone who joined Real Madrid for €100m in the summer but, trust me, this midfielder is something special.
Martin Keown - PEDRI
Barcelona’s 19-year-old midfielder looks like the real deal and this tournament could be the making of him at the heart of Spain’s midfield.
Chris Sutton - TAKEFUSA KUBO
Given the ridiculous tag ‘The Japanese Messi’ after scoring 73 goals in 30 games for Barca’s youth team at the age of 10. Now 21, Kubo will dazzle in Qatar.
Ian Ladyman - JAMAL MUSIALA
Represented England at youth level but now plays for Germany. Has started to show what all the fuss is about and was superb as Germany drew 1-1 with England in Munich at the end of last season.
Sami Mokbel - JUDE BELLINGHAM
One of the biggest talents around. The teen should start for England and everyone will see why he can become one of the best in the world.
Matt Barlow - RAFAEL LEAO
Direct and destructive, maturing at AC Milan, the Portuguese is finally fulfilling his enormous potential.
Kathryn Batte - KAORU MITOMA
A gifted footballer with brilliant dribbling ability. The Japanese winger is starting to impress for Brighton and a tough group will bring out his best.
Dominic King - GAVI
The noise about him from Spain tells you he is something a little bit different and this is the platform for him to show it.
Ian Herbert - KAMALDEEN SULEMANA
The 20-year-old Ghanaian is on the fringes of the big time. Has shown pace and quality running at defences for Rennes.