“I think that Germany and France will reach the final. It will be very difficult for Germany to become World Champions twice in a row, so I’ll opt for France [as 2018 World Cup winners],” Bulykin said.

Russia’s first-ever FIFA World Cup will be held from June 14 to July 15 at 12 stadiums in 11 cities across the country.

Germany will face Mexico, Sweden and South Korea in Group F, while France will take on Australia, Peru and Denmark in Group C.