Here are five that may be of particular interest in Russia.

1. Paulo Dybala


It won’t be easy for the Juventus striker to force his way into a star-studded Argentina attack.

However, after netting 22 goals in 33 Serie A appearances last campaign, Dybala, 24, has finally announced himself as one of the hottest strikers in European football.

Dybala hasn’t scored in any of his 12 appearances for the national side and was left on the bench for Argentina’s final two qualifiers against Peru and Ecuador.

Still, the forward’s agile runs with the ball, versatility and proven eye for goal could be a valuable option for Jorge Sampaoli’s side in Russia.

With Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria and club teammate Gonzalo Higuain all in their thirties, Dybala represents La Albiceleste’s future following an exceptional generation of forwards.

2. Ivan Perisic


The tricky winger is no stranger to the international stage and has arguably been Croatia’s star player at the last three major tournaments.

Perisic, 29, scored twice at the 2014 World Cup, though it wasn’t enough to prevent a group stage exit for the Vatreni.

In 2012, Perisic played all three of Croatia’s games at the European Championships and in the same competition four years later, he recorded two goals and an assist.

After joining a struggling Inter Milan side in 2015, Perisic has also been consistent at club level, scoring 11 goals and registering 11 assists in 37 league appearances last campaign – stats which are almost identical to the 2016/17 season.

Croatia may have Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic to pull the strings from the middle of the park, however Perisic’s pace on the break, as well as his natural ability with both feet, will also be key in Russia.

3. Wilfred Ndidi


Still only 21, Ndidi has become an integral part of the Nigerian national side as well as Premier League outfit Leicester City.

Since signing for the Foxes in January 2017, Ndidi has made 50 league appearances in the heart of midfield following the sale of N’Golo Kante to Chelsea six months earlier.

Ndidi has been compared to the industrious Frenchman due to his excellent engine and work rate.

The Nigerian is also a tough tackler and is good at making interceptions on the edge of his own penalty area – however, his 6 ft 2in frame makes it difficult for Ndidi to dribble with the ball.

The 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign was a significant one for Ndidi, who played 90 minutes in five of Nigeria’s six group games. 

4. Aron Gunnarsson


Opposition scouts will probably highlight Gylfi Sigurdsson’s deadly set-plays as Iceland’s major weapon.

However, Gunnarsson’s long and consistently-effective throw-ins will also cause teams plenty of problems in Russia.

Ahead of their Euro 2016 clash against Iceland, England reportedly identified Gunnarsson as the danger man and planned to nullify the Cardiff City midfielder’s major asset.

Yet, in the sixth minute, Gunnarsson hurled the ball into the opposition’s box, Kari Arnason flicked it on and Ragnar Sigurdsson steered home the simplest of equalisers.

Gunnarsson isn’t just a one-trick pony either, and the 29 year-old is one of the fittest players in a hardworking and resilient side.

Against Argentina, Croatia and Nigeria, Iceland are unlikely to dominate in terms of possession, meaning they’ll have to make the most of dead ball situations.

5. Lionel Messi


Okay, so we could have been a little less obvious with this one, however after coming out of international retirement in 2016, it feels like Messi’s Argentina career could come to an emotional denouement in Russia – one way or another.

It is also worth pointing out just how reliant Argentina still are on the Barcelona superstar, whose hat-trick against Ecuador in the final round of qualifying salvaged La Albiceleste’s place at the tournament.

Messi was occasionally criticised by a demanding Argentine media earlier in his career, after failing to replicate his scintillating club form on the international stage.

Even so, Messi has still scored 64 goals in 122 appearances for the national side, including seven in 10 during a difficult qualifying campaign.

At 30 years of age, it is possible this will be Messi’s last shot at international silverware, following final defeats at the 2014 World Cup as well as the 2015 and 2016 Copa America tournaments.