Living on Mars might be your only excuse for being unaware of this particular football tournament next week. Russia will play host to the footballing world in a festival watched by billions.
Only eight nations have held aloft the sacred golden trophy that symbolises world football supremacy. That number will most likely remain intact by the time the final is over.
Now we await the 32 days of football nirvana that will be filled with glory, disaster, class and tragedy.
In preparation, here is what every football fan needs to know about the upcoming competition.
Host and defending champion
Russia will host 64 games over 32 days in 11 different cities. Twelve venues will be used and the culmination will be the final at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
The 21st incarnation of the event sees the hosts do so for the first time and Germany return as defending champion. ‘Die Mannschaft’, claimed a fourth trophy in Brazil four years ago after a desperate struggle with Argentina in the final
The major contenders
Brazil stands unrivalled in tournament history with five wins, yet Germany arrive in Russia with the chance to confirm their historical greatness in the world game with a fifth title.
Both countries loom as logical contenders once again and joined by Spain, France, Argentina, Belgium and England, they form a select group of nations with serious and realistic aspirations of becoming champions of the world.
The also-rans
Tunisia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Costa Rica and Panama come into the tournament unloved by oddsmakers and tipped to make first round exits.
The achievement of qualification should never be underestimated. The experience players gain, the true international flavour of the event and a nation’s pride in seeing their kit on the biggest footballing stage is more than enough satisfaction for many nations.
Of course, every team will have dreams of a fairytale, yet with so much at stake it is hard not to see some old foes rising to the top once again.
The Groups
Group A
The opening day sees the hosts play Saudi Arabia in a ceremonial start to the competition before Egypt and Uruguay complete the first round of Group A matches the following day.
Russia have been blessed in their draw; with three beatable nations alongside them, it should be a comfortable group stage. The same can be said for Uruguay. Egypt will need an ounce of luck to advance and progression for the lowly Saudis will be the result of a serious over-achievement.
Crucial match
The clash between Russia and Egypt in St Petersburg could be vital if the Egyptians intend on muscling their way past Uruguay into second spot in the group.
The man to watch
Egypt will look to talismanic Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah to continue his astonishing goalscoring run.
(Photo by Erwin Spek/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Group B
The Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal are grouped with the enigmatic Spain and loom as a dangerous side just outside the main group of pre-tournament favourites.
Morocco, making a long-awaited return to the tournament, and Iran, the first team to qualify after cruising through qualification in Asia, would both need huge upsets to advance. Spain meet Portugal in the first match in what is a mouth-watering clash.
Crucial match
Three points for either Iran or Morocco from their clash will be vital if either is to sneak into the top two spots in this group.
The men to watch
David Silva, David de Gea and Isco could potentially star for La Roja and Ronaldo will need a masterclass if his team is to mirror Portugal’s success at Euro 2016.
Group C
France and Australia open hostilities in a group where all four teams could realistically qualify. French manager Didier Deschamps has quality and flair all over the park and should be able to successfully navigate the group, however Denmark, Peru and Australia will all be eyeing second spot.
Crucial match
Any result against France could potentially prove the difference as points in this group will be shared around. The matchup between Denmark and Peru might just determine who goes through along with the French.
The men to watch
There are two significant contenders for Golden Boot honours in group C in the form of Christian Eriksen (Denmark) and Antoine Griezmann (France).
(Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)
Group D
There’s a chance Lionel Messi will be making his final appearance at this wonderful tournament and Argentina would erupt if the great man could complete his dream and lead the nation to global glory. Giant killers Iceland will be looking to continue their astonishing form from the most recent European Championships and Croatia and Nigeria are in the scrap that is Group D.
Crucial match
Croatia’s chances of progression could rest on their clash with Iceland.
The men to watch
All Croatian eyes will be on Real Madrid playmaker Luka Modric. A senior brigade of Argentinians such as Sergio Aguero, Ever Banega and Messi himself will have a significant impact on the tournament.
Group E
Hot favourite Brazil takes on Switzerland in the opening match and Costa Rica and Serbia meet in Samara, with the former seen as rank outsiders.
Crucial match
Serbia look the real threat to Switzerland in this group as they grapple for second spot and the match between the two European nations looms as decisive.
The men to watch
Brazilian manager Tite hasn’t had long to build a well-oiled machine just yet but with raw talent such as Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain), Phillipe Coutinho (Barcelona) and Gabriel Jesus (Man City) in sync, the players might just look after that themselves.
Group F
In another tasty first round match-up, defending champions Germany face Mexico in the opening match of Group F. In reality, the group should be a dogfight for second between the Mexicans and the Swedish, who meet South Korea in the other game.
In what reads as one of the weaker groups outside the seeded Germans, the cross-over matches in the Round of 16 could present someone with a very tasty opponent in the form of the second-placed team from this group.
Crucial match
The Mexico versus Sweden match should decide the group-stage fate of both countries.
The man to watch
The Germans qualified impressively and their youthful rebuild has culminated in a powerful and hungry squad. Schalke 04’s Leon Goretzka is a perfect example; a youthful midfielder and the latest star off the German production line.
Group G
Belgium and England appear sure things to advance in Group G with Panama and Tunisia unlikely to threaten the European powerhouses.
Crucial match
The result of the Belgium and England clash could be crucial if either has slipped up earlier in the group stage. If they haven’t, it will likely decide who claims top spot in their pool.
The men to watch
Belgium have a powerful attacking squad with Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard (from Manchester City and Chelsea respectively) and Romelu Lukaku (who plays for their cross-town rivals, Manchester United) looming as match winners. Despite their poor recent record in major tournaments, England should impress and the big question might just be how many goals Golden Boot contender Harry Kane (Tottenham) can score.
(Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Group H
Something of a dark horse, Poland begins its campaign against Senegal and the Colombians take on Japan in Saransk.
Colombia should fight out second spot with the Senegalese, although having watched Japan’s qualification campaign through Asia, it is clear the Samurai Blue are not without a chance. The turmoil of sacking manager Vahid Halilhodzic so close to the start of the tournament (he was fired in April) may hurt them though.
Crucial match
The match between Senegal and Colombia could very well decide second place in the group.
The men to watch
Bayern Munich frontman Robert Lewandowski will lie at the heart of Polish success, while Senegal will be hoping for big things from Sadio Mane, who continues to impress at Liverpool.
The Round of 16, quarters and semi-finals
The eight crossover Round of 16 matches between the top two qualifiers from each group take place across four days. Following a two-day break, the quarter-finals are to played on the 6th and 7th of July.
That will leave four countries still in the hunt for the title of world champions.
So who are the most likely final four?
Past tournament successes, recent form and their overall talent levels tell us Brazil, Germany, Argentina and France are the four nations most likely to progress all the way to the semi-finals.
The final: Who’s going to win?
The last two teams standing will meet in Moscow at the Luzhniki Stadium in one of the most intense and viewed sporting contests on the planet.
Enjoy the tournament! Embrace the event and when Germany hold the trophy aloft in Moscow, you’ll know where you heard it first.
You won’t want to miss any of the memorable footballing moments in Russia this year. Catch all the action in the best way possible by coming together with your friends and family and watching it on an epic big screen Samsung QLED TV, so explore the big screen range now.
Haven’t seen your friends lately? Send them a personal message from Tim Cahill with TIMVITE and get ready to watch the big games.
Another Paul
Guest
nvm
MQ
Guest
other than Russia :)
MQ
Guest
we should probably celebrate if one AFC nation makes it through to the 2nd round
lunchboxexpert
Guest
Australia's performance against the Dutch was absolutely world class in 2014. The team really stepped up and pushed the Dutch all the way to the final whistle. At one stage the Aussies were even up 2-1 but the Dutch clawed it back and eventually won the game 2-3 in a hard fought contest. What makes the result even more amaazing is it was the game after the Dutch had disposed of the number 1 team in the world, Spain in a 5-1 demolition. In theie last group game Australia met one of the best teams in the world who were angry and disappointed at their poor performance in the tournament so far. Spain played their first and only decent of their campaign and Australia never really stood a chance against them.
Another Paul
Guest
Sorry but you mention that Iran was the first team to qualify but it was actually Brazil.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
I’ve got FOXsports but I’be also signed up to Optus Sports. You’ll pay for it on a monthly basis and can cancel when you like. Downloaded as an App on my iPad. All set to go!
Cousin Claudio
Roar Guru
One of the best sporting tournaments and spectacles on the planet to look forward to every 4 years, especially if you are an Australian football fan. You don't give the Footballroos a chance of getting through their group. like most, but this is the World Cup where dreams come true for some. Alas its still a dream. Its there to enjoy no matter what, but the French are known to spit the dummy occasionally if things don't go all their way, especially in the opening round of a tournament. May their snails be off and they all be sick before the first game. Oi, Oi, Oi!
Doc_watts11
Roar Rookie
Probably underestimating Columbia a touch. Have looked strong for a while, went into the quarters at the last world cup and have Falcao available, and back in form. They'll most likely go through top, with Poland behind from that group. England look absolutely no chance, but maybe that's the kind of mentality change they need. Less pressure might help. Hard to see anyone ahead of Germany though, the cup is in Europe, which traditionally means a European team will win, and Germany have finished 1st, 3rd, 3rd, and 2nd in the last four world cups. Their execution of football development programs is absolutely something to behold.
13th Man
Guest
France are actually my tip to win the whole thing so if Australia somehow takes it up to them I'll be impressed! I Don't think we'll get out of the group but if we can poach a win v Denmark who knows? It's a better squad than 2014. England I've got making it to the quarters but losing to Germany. Doing the predictor my semi finals were France v Brazil and Germany V Spain and I had a France v Spain final. Just think the French have the most talented squad out there and will get the job done. Belgium are a smoky.
13th Man
Guest
I think England will do better than a lot of people think but the way I see it they meet Germany in the quarters so won't realistically progress further than that.
The watcher
Guest
England will either fail to get out of the group or do quite well. If they can catch Belgium having one of those days where it doesn’t click, the poms could top the group and the runner up they face in the round of 16 world be beatable. Australia will need the French to have shocker to go through. Spain are intriguing as they really haven’t shown anything sine Euro 12. On paper look strong but who’s going to score the goals? Isco maybe but over 7 matches? Argentina best chance was at the last WC and really struggled in qualifying. I have Poland as dark horses, but I’m absolutely sure that Brazil and Germany are significantly better than everyone else.
Doran Smith
Roar Guru
Should be an exciting competition, hopefully Australia at least draw with France and after that who knows.
brian drian
Guest
re england, not to mention the fans most likely to get naked in the town square, start a fight and urinate in the fountain! for mine, the latin american fans will easily create the best atmosphere, but the africans will give them a good shake if they have the numbers
Matt H
Roar Guru
I see the winner of the Tournament coming from our Group, but not us unfortunately. France have the talent and depth this time around.
Nick Symonds
Guest
"I saw him hit a worldie against Sydney FC." Two of Stuart's favorite cliches in there. But my biggest concern for the Socceroos is that the French are very fast on the counter and Sainsbury and Jurman will have to constantly stay alert for the full 90 minutes, I hope they don't get caught ball-watching. You can't write them off altogether though. When they're sharp, Sainsbury and Jurman can really get well in so as long as they can keep the French to just one goal then maybe Arzani can come on at the end and make a nuisance of himself in the front third. If he can score a late goal it'll take us level but with a bit of luck he might even be able to get between the lines and bag himself a brace and cause a huge upset. Wouldn't that be a story!
Brian
Guest
I'd say the Saudi's and Iranians are no chance. They usually would not even qualify was it not for the advantage of playing in their home conditions. Korea and Australia are very much outside chances and I give Japan a real chance. I think they are underrated and there's no heavyweight in Group H. Colombia were great last time but outside South America they might be far less imposing.
Davico
Roar Pro
And me to that. The players left out by other teams would make up a better side than the English. Bar Kane, maybe!
Griffo
Roar Guru
Interestingly Australia recently was ranked 10th for the number of tickets purchased for the World Cup. England were 11th but a few thousand behind use (38K iirc). That will probably change (and depends on the run of the team as well). Since 2006 we have been among the top travelers for World Cups...
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
From what I've seen, the Germans would be challenging the Brits for the best atmosphere gong. Or perhaps I just haven't watched enough overseas soccer!
Newie
Guest
Another website has a lovely breakdown of every player in every squad: the Guardian. Peru don't look "all that". Not many players in big leagues or Europe, unlike Denmark who are most likely to go through second behind France. France's attacking units are just too good for us to stop them. Sainsbury and Jurman will be excellent, but Giroud & co will find a space somewhere. I'd love Nabbout to ping one past them, he, out of any of our attackers, can do it with a tiny little space, or if he's left to run outside the box. I saw him hit a worldie against Sydney FC. I hope they underestimate him.