The FIFA World Cup 2018 fever is finally taking hold in Russia, as the country sets off a footballing extravaganza with the Russia vs Saudi Arabia match that will be played at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium. As many as 32 teams, including debutant sides like Iceland and Panama, will vie for top honours in the FIFA World Cup, which also sees the absence of traditional powerhouses Italy and the Netherlands. Germany are the defending champions and they will face stiff challenges from traditional favourites Brazil, Argentina and European powerhouses like Spain and Belgium. The 32 teams in the fray have been divided into eight groups and the top two sides from each will advance to the knockout Round of 16.