Iceland’s fans Iceland will compete at its first World Cup, which is good news for everybody else in Russia because its fans sure know how to party. Icelandic supporters won widespread praise for their friendliness, outgoing nature and pure passion at Euro 2016 in France, perfectly symbolized by their amazingly powerful “Viking clap” during and after games. Considering Iceland’s dull and defensive style of play, the show put on by its supporters in the stands far exceeds the spectacle produced by the team on the pitch. Belgium This is arguably the best Belgian team of all-time, buoyed by a collection of “golden generation” players who ply their trades at some of the biggest clubs in the world. Four years ago, Belgium was talked about as a possible dark horse. This time around, it has to be considered a legitimate contender to win it all.

Kevin De Bruyne is one the best playmakers in the sport, and was a key figure for an all-conquering Manchester City that swept all before them in the Premier League this season. This is a deep side, with quality all over the pitch, from the back to the front: goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, defender Jan Vertonghen, midfielder Mousa Dembele, wingers Eden Hazard and Dries Mertens, and forward Romelu Lukaku. Andres Iniesta One of the greats will take his final bow for Spain this summer. Iniesta, 34, has said he will most likely retire from the national team following the World Cup in Russia, bringing to an end a sparkling international career. With over 100 caps to his credit, the FC Barcelona star has been an integral part of the national team since making his debut in 2006. He played prominent roles in helping Spain win Euro 2008 and 2012, and he scored the winner in extra time of the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands.

Eberle pls 508 manual lawn. Renowned for his elegant style of play, the classy midfielder has long imposed himself upon important games with his sublime possession skills and visionary passing ability. The World Cup won’t be the same without him.

Achilles the Cat Achilles is a white cat who has been chosen as the tournament’s official oracle. When he’s not busy with his day job — chasing mice from Russia’s famous Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg – Achilles will predict the winners and losers of World Cup matches by choosing between two bowls of food, each marked by the flag of a national team. It’s a role he fulfilled at last summer’s FIFA Confederation’s Cup held in Russia. Achilles will no doubt be looking to do better than Paul the Octopus, who accurately predicted 12 out of 14 matches at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Essam El-Hadary The veteran goalkeeper will more than likely become the oldest person to play in a World Cup match when Egypt takes on Uruguay in its opening contest in Russia. Should El-Hadary take to the field against the South Americans — and there’s no reason to believe he won’t, considering he played in all but one of Egypt’s qualifiers — he’ll make his World Cup debut at the tender age of 45 and eclipse the record set by Colombia goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon, who was 43 when he played at the last World Cup in Brazil.

John Helm You’ve probably never seen John Helm, but you’ve likely heard him, and you’ll hear him again this summer. The 76-year-old Englishman has provided play-by-play commentary on the international TV feed for every World Cup since 2002, his dulcet voice an integral part of the competition.