World Cup Group B: Will Spain or Portugal get top spot?

The World Cup has arrived, and we can’t wait to see 32 nations battle it out in Russia.

We’ll be bringing you plenty of in-depth coverage throughout the tournament, starting with our comprehensive previews of every group.

After our look at Group A, Group B is next up, featuring Spain, Portugal, Morocco and Iran.

The two European sides have plenty of quality, but could there be a surprise in store?

Here’s all the key info…

Spain

FIFA Ranking: 8

Manager: Julen Lopetegui

Qualification: Cruised through with nine wins out of 10. They only dropped points in a 1-1 draw away to Italy. Had the joint-best defensive record in European qualifying (three goals conceded).

Star player: Isco

How far will they go? Will anyone be able to get the ball off them? La Roja should be aiming for a semi-final spot at the very least.

Odds to win World Cup: 6/1

Fun fact: Lopetegui went to the 1994 World Cup as Spain’s third-choice goalkeeper, though he didn’t see any playing time.

Portugal

FIFA Ranking: 4

Manager: Fernando Santos

Qualification: Finished top of their group on goal difference. Portugal and Switzerland both won nine games and lost once.

Star player: Cristiano Ronaldo

How far will they go? Quarter-finals are a realistic aim with Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt or Uruguay as potential last-16 opponents. Anything is possible from there with Ronaldo around.

Odds to win World Cup: 25/1

Fun fact: Portugal would become the fourth nation to hold the World Cup and European Championship titles at the same time if they triumph in Russia.

Morocco

FIFA Ranking: 42

Manager: Herve Renard

Qualification: Topped their group without conceding a goal.

Star player: Mehdi Benatia

How far will they go? They’re likely to finish third here. But if they get a result against Portugal they’ll have a real chance to progress.

Odds to win World Cup: 250/1

Fun fact: Renard is the only manager to win the Africa Cup of Nations with two different teams (Zambia and Ivory Coast).

Iran

FIFA Ranking: 36

Manager: Carlos Queiroz

Qualification: Won their second and third-round groups without losing once to qualify automatically

Star player: Sardar Azmoun

How far will they go? Finishing third in the group would be seen as a success.

Odds to win World Cup: 500/1

Fun fact: This summer will be the first time Iran have appeared in two consecutive World Cups.

Click here for the latest World Cup odds.

All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication