The World Cup starts on Thursday with a match between Russia and Saudi Arabia, and despite it being held in a place that can only be described as extremely problematic, and in spite of the USMNT’s maddening failure to qualify, people are excited.

So, let’s take a quick look at each group, who to root for, and who will probably win.

GROUP A

Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Uruguay

Who (likely) advances: Egypt and Uruguay

The two most talented teams in the group both rely on world-class talents. Egypt are led by Liverpool’s breakout star Mohamed Salah. There are other talents as well on the Egyptian roster (Mohamed Elneny and Ramadan Sobhi are among them), but the machine doesn’t work without Salah at his best.

Uruguay, on the other hand, will lean on the abilities of Barcelona forward Luis Suarez (yes, the one who has bitten people three times). He may have a checkered history, but he can score goals with the best of them, and there’s nary a time he doesn’t show up big for his country.

TEAM TO ROOT FOR:

Uh, Egypt?

This group is pretty bad as far as rooting interests go. A group of countries with sketchy governments makes it difficult to choose, but Salah is the best and most exciting player in the group, so he’s probably the best bet here if one has to choose.

GROUP B

Portugal, Spain, Morocco and Iran

Who (likely) advances: Portugal and Spain

Portugal have arguably the second-best player of all time in Cristiano Ronaldo, and the rest of the squad isn’t anything to scoff at. Head coach Fernando Santos has turned Portugal into a sturdy, counter-attacking outfit keyed by Ronaldo and forward Andre Silva.

Spain are going through some stuff (they just fired their head coach Wednesday), but their talent and scheme is strong enough that they should likely advance anyway.

TEAM TO ROOT FOR:

Morocco.

The underdog is always fun to root for, and with a solid defense, Morocco might just be in a position to cause some mayhem and upset one of the two superpowers in this group (probably Spain).

GROUP C

France, Peru, Australia and Denmark

Who (likely) advances: France and Denmark

France are one of the favorites, and for good reason. Les Bleus have the talent to compete with anyone with the world, but will they have the focus to make a deep run? How Paul Pogba performs might determine their fate.

Denmark are all about Christian Eriksen. If he steps up to the moment, the Danes could well make a surprise run. If he gets man-marked, then the Danes are in for a long tournament and a quick exit.

TEAM TO ROOT FOR:

Peru.

Why not? In the Cup for the first time since 1982, Peru face an uphill battle to get out of a group in which they’ll likely battle Denmark for second, but the Peruvian squad hasn’t lost since 2016.

GROUP D: THE GROUP OF FUN

Argentina, Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria

Who (likely) advances: who knows!

This group has potential to be bonkers, with each team bringing a high “fun factor” to the table. Argentina have Lionel Messi (possibly the greatest player of all time) and plenty of other attacking talents, Iceland have become a Twitter favorite with their continuing Cinderella story, Croatia have been good for a long time but hasn’t lived up to the team’s potential in the World Cup and Nigeria are young, full of personalities and very attack-heavy. Buckle up and enjoy the show.

TEAM TO ROOT FOR:

Nigeria.

They’re nicknamed the “Super Eagles,” the World Cup jerseys are incredible and they play a free-flowing style of football. What more could a soccer fan want?

GROUP E

Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia

Who (likely) advances: Brazil and Switzerland

Brazil are the prohibitive favorites for the Cup, and for good reason. The talent assembled for this squad is downright unreal, and it would be a huge shock if Brazil doesn’t make a deep run.

Switzerland are led by Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka, Premier League players who have had up-and-down seasons with their club teams. However, the team has a strong defense anchored by Ricardo Rodriguez and new Arsenal man Stephan Lichtsteiner.

TEAM TO ROOT FOR:

Brazil.

Sure, they’re the favorites, but Brazil are so full of overwhelming talent in attack that it’s best to sit back and enjoy the greatness unfold. A close second belongs to Costa Rica and their attempts to recreate their Cinderella run to the quarterfinals from 2014.

GROUP F

Germany, Mexico, Sweden and Korea Republic

Who (likely) advances: Germany and Korea Republic

Germany. Der Mannschaft. The defending champs. So full of talent that they can leave Man City’s Leroy Sane at home. Yeah, they’re probably going to advance.

Maybe a bit of an upset over Mexico, but the Korea Republic have a lot going for them, not least the starpower of Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur. The second spot in this group is up for grabs, so why not the Red Devils?

TEAM TO ROOT FOR:

Mexico.

El Tri are the most popular international soccer team in the U.S., so why not join the group? Despite their rivalry with the USMNT, Mexico are a fun squad that, while not their best currently, still have a chance to make a run. Oh, and they have Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez.

GROUP G

Belgium, England, Panama and Tunisia

Who (likely) advances: Belgium and England

Belgium are the hipster soccer team of the 2010s despite not really performing to their potential in any major tournaments. Loaded with talent but rocking a weird formation, they’ll be a very interesting watch.

The Three Lions are perennial underachievers. But, with a core full of Tottenham and Liverpool stars, England may be set to finally perform to their fans’ huge expectations. Or they could go out in the group stage again.

TEAM TO ROOT FOR:

Belgium.

Who doesn’t love a good CHAOS TEAM? With a ton of talent, a manager with a very up-and-down managerial past and an even wackier 3-5-2 formation, what could possibly go wrong?

GROUP H: LAST BUT NOT LEAST

Colombia, Japan, Poland and Senegal

Who (likely) advances: Colombia and Senegal

Colombia are a balanced team with a generational talent in James Rodriguez, and they like to dance after scoring goals. This team was strong in 2014 and might be even more talented this time around.

Senegal have only been to the World Cup one time: in 2002, when they went to the quarterfinals. This team has the exciting talent and attacking verve to make it there again.

TEAM TO ROOT FOR:

Senegal.

Everything mentioned above, and also the fact that their nickname is The Lions of Teranga. With a nickname like that, one cannot go wrong rooting for this potential Cinderella.

In closing: Let’s be real, it’ll probably be Brazil and France in the final. So, everyone just have fun and enjoy the action!

But don’t forget that Russia has problems.