VANCOUVER, B.C - The football world is about to turn their attention to Russia as the 2018 FIFA World Cup gets underway on Thursday. It's going to be a fantastic tournament as 32 countries will compete to be the last one standing on July 15.
Rosters have been named, favourites have been selected, and predictions have been picked. The biggest surprises, underdogs, have all been speculated upon. Just like fans across the globe, athletes, will be tuning in to watch all the action from Russia.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC players have chimed in and made their bold, and brave predictions. Several have shown support for teammate Kendall Waston who will represent Costa Rica. Who do Caps players have lifting FIFA World Cup Trophy?
Kei Kamara - Striker
GROUP WINNERS |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H
|
Uruguay |
Spain |
France |
Nigeria |
Costa Rica
|
Germany |
Belgium |
Colombia |
RUNNER-UP |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H
|
Egypt |
Moroco |
Denmark |
Argentina |
Serbia |
Mexico
|
Tunisia |
Senegal |
WORLD CUP FINAL (BOLD = winner)
|
BELGIUM vs an African Team
|
|
Most looking forward to watching: Senegal
"I'm really looking forward to watching Senegal in the World Cup. It's great to see them, and what they've done. I have a feeling, Belgium is going to win it."
Jose Aja - Centre-back
GROUP WINNERS |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H
|
Uruguay |
Spain |
France |
Argentina |
Brazil |
Germany |
England |
Colombia |
RUNNER-UP |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
Russia |
Portugal |
Peru |
Croatia |
Costa Rica
|
Korea
|
Belgium |
Japan |
WORLD CUP FINAL (BOLD = winner) |
ARGENTINA vs Germany |
|
Most looking forward to watching: Argentina
"Messi, he's my favourite player. I think he's an amazing player. I'm looking forward to watching him win the World Cup, because he deserves that."
Aaron Maund - Centre-back
GROUP WINNERS |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
Russia |
Portugal |
France |
Argentina |
Brazil |
Germany |
Belgium |
Colombia |
RUNNER-UP |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
Uruguay |
Spain |
Denmark |
Nigeria |
Costa Rica
|
Korea |
England |
Poland
|
WORLD CUP FINAL (BOLD = winner) |
BELGIUM vs France |
|
Most looking forward to watching: Belgium and France
"I'm looking forward to watching (Eden) Hazard, and (Paul) Pogba, and just how they taken on roles as leaders with their national teams."
Sean Franklin - Right back
GROUP WINNERS |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
Egypt |
Portugal |
France
|
Argentina |
Brazil |
Germany |
England |
Colombia |
RUNNER-UP |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
Russia |
Spain |
Peru |
Nigeria |
Costa Rica
|
Mexico
|
Belgium |
Poland |
WORLD CUP FINAL (BOLD = winner) |
Germany vs France |
|
Most looking forward to watching: Egypt
"(Mohamed) Salah, he's been one of the most exciting players this year for club and country. To see him do well in the World Cup would be amazing for him and his country."
Jake Nerwinski - Right back
GROUP WINNERS |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
Uruguay |
Portugal |
France
|
Argentina |
Brazil |
Germany |
Belgium |
Colombia |
RUNNER-UP |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
Russia |
Spain |
Denmark |
Nigeria |
Costa Rica
|
Mexico
|
England |
Poland |
WORLD CUP FINAL (BOLD = winner) |
GERMANY vs Brazil |
|
Most looking forward to watching: Costa Rica
"Yeah, Kendall Waston of Costa Rica. He's my teammate and I'm really excited for him. He's going to the World Cup, and I think it's pretty cool."
Stefan Marinovic - Goalkeeper
GROUP WINNERS |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
Uruguay |
Portugal |
France |
Croatia |
Brazil |
Germany |
Belgium |
Japan |
RUNNER-UP |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
Russia |
Morocco |
Denmark |
Argentina |
Costa Rica
|
Mexico
|
England |
Senegal |
WORLD CUP FINAL (BOLD = winner) |
GERMANY vs Argentina |
|
Most looking forward to watching: Cristiano Ronaldo
"Obviously, Kendall and Bola (Christian Bolanos) and Costa Rica."
Felipe - midfielder
GROUP WINNERS |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
Egypt |
Portugal |
Peru |
Argentina |
Brazil |
Germany |
Belgium |
Japan |
RUNNER-UP |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
Uruguay |
Spain |
France |
Croatia |
Switzerland |
Mexico
|
England |
Colombia |
WORLD CUP FINAL (BOLD = winner) |
BRAZIL vs France |
|
Most looking forward to watching: Brazil
"Neymar, you know you're always excited to see him play. He's in good form, so it will be great to see all those (Brazil) players at one time."
Effy Juarez - Midfield
GROUP WINNERS |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
Russia |
Spain |
France |
Argentina |
Brazil |
Mexico |
Belgium |
Colombia |
RUNNER-UP |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
Uruguay |
Portugal |
Peru |
Croatia |
Costa Rica
|
Germany |
England |
Japan |
WORLD CUP FINAL (BOLD = winner) |
BRAZIL vs Spain
|
|
Most looking forward to watching: Mexico
"Because I'm from there."
|