It was a dramatic build up to this day, with all the tension over the FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifiers, who would qualify for the World Cup next year, and who wouldn’t. After months and months of qualifiers, we had our answers – star teams like Netherlands, Italy, Wales, Chile and a few others didn’t make qualification.
It’s sad, as legends of the game like Gianluigi Buffon retired after his country didn’t make the cut. Not only will we be missing him, but also another legend Arjen Robben, will not be in the 2018 World Cup. Other big names who will be watching the World Cup on TV include Arturo Vidal, Gareth Bale, Alexis Sanchez and more.
However, what’s done is done. After all the drama and heartbreak, fans are finally moving past it, and so are we. Here we are now, bringing to you the live draw of the FIFA 2018 World Cup groups. After this, we will know which teams will play which teams in this major tournament.
Before the draw could begin, we were treated to some good old, classical folk dancing. It’s over and the show can now begin.
21:00 IST: We knew Russia would be the first team to be called out, being host nation, but they call it out anyway. Russia is the first country out of the bag and they will be at the top of Group A. Portugal is then called out (Group B), followed by France (Group C) & Argentina (Group D). These teams will start at the top of their respective groups.
These first teams weren’t really a big surprise. However, the names are being called out, formality sake.
21:05 IST: The next four group leaders are announced:
- Brazil – Group E
- Germany – Group F
- Belgium – Group G
- Poland – Group H
21:10 IST: Uruguay is the first country out of the hat and they will join Russia in Group A. The next call is Spain and Portugal will not like this one bit. No one likes to have strong opponents in their group. Peru is added to France’s group, while Croatia is added to Argentina’s Group D.
21:15 IST: Here’s a crowd favourite – Switzerland! They will join Brazil in Group E, while Mexico gets entry into Group F, with Germany. England avoid the group will Germany as they get called into Group G. Colombia is the last team left to be called and they enter Group H.
Groups so far:
- Group A – Russia, Uruguay
- Group B – Portugal, Spain
- Group C – France, Peru
- Group D – Argentina, Croatia
- Group E – Brazil, Switzerland
- Group F – Germany, Mexico
- Group G – Belgium, England
- Group H – Poland, Colombia
Third round of the draw:
21:20 IST: The next two names out are Egypt and Denmark and they would fit into Groups A and B respectively. However, Group B already has its quota of 2 European teams so Denmark is fitted into Group C. Iran is the next country called out so they get Group B.
Iceland enters Argentina’s group, Costa Rica joins Brazil’s group, while Sweden gets the tough draw with Mexico & Germany. England gets another relatively easy opponent, with Tunisia joining them, while Senegal gets the final Group H.
Panama is next out of the hat and being disallowed to Group F, they enter England’s group, and England will be the happiest country after this World Cup draw. South Korea & Japan follow, being slotted into Groups F and H respectively.
With this, we’re done with today’s coverage of the FIFA 2018 World Cup draw. The final groups that have been decided:
- Group A Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Uruguay
- Group B Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Iran
- Group C France, Australia, Peru, Denmark
- Group D Argentina, Iceland, Croatia, Nigeria
- Group E Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Serbia
- Group F Germany, Mexico, Sweden, South Korea
- Group G Belgium, Panama, Tunisia, England
- Group H Poland, Senegal, Colombia, Japan
Groups G and H seem to be pretty easy ones while B and F will be fiercely contested. If you liked this live blog, go ahead and leave a comment. Also, you can check out our Soccer Scoops section for similar content!
