World Cup draw 2018 - live updates: Reaction after England land Belgium, Panama and Tunisia in Group G
Latest reaction from the draw in Moscow after the Three Lions learned their fate
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The 2018 World Cup draw has taken place, with the 32 nations that have qualified for next summer’s tournament in Russia now knowing who they must beat if they are to become world champions.
We have all the latest reaction from Moscow, where our Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney is in place inside the Kremlin State Place.
England were in pot two for the draw because of their middling Fifa world ranking – but Gareth Southgate’s side avoided any of the tournament favourites and instead will face Belgium, Panama and Tunisia in Group G.
Follow all of the latest below.
All you need to know:
When is it?
The draw for the group stages of the 2018 World Cup will be held at 3pm GMT on Friday 1st December, in Moscow. It will take place at the Kremlin.
Where can I watch it?
The draw will be shown live on Sky Sports or alternatively you can follow The Independent’s live blog to find out which group your country will be allocated into.
Who is in it?
The teams qualified are:
Uefa (Europe): Russia (hosts) France, Portugal, Germany, Serbia, Poland, England, Spain, Belgium, Iceland, Switzerland, Croatia, Sweden, Denmark
Conmebol (South America): Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Colombia, Peru.
Concacaf (North/Central America and Caribbean): Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama
AFC (Asia): Iran Football, South Korea Football, Japan Football, Saudi Arabia
CAF (Africa): Tunisia, Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt
Australia is out next. They go into Group C. Here's what it looks like:
Group C
France
Australia
Peru
Denmark
Nigeria are out. They go into Group D. Here's what it looks like:
Group D:
Argentina
Iceland
Croatia
Nigeria
Panama are out next. They go into Group G because we can't have two American teams in Group F. Here's what it looks like:
Group G:
Belgium
Panama
Tunisia
England
South Korea out next. They go into Group F. Here's what it looks like:
Group F:
Germany
Mexico
Sweden
South Korea
Last but not least, Japan. They go into Group H.
Group H:
Poland
Senegal
Colombia
Japan
World Cup group stages: A-H
Group A:
Russia
Saudi Arabia
Egypt
Uruguay
Group B
Portugal
Spain
Morocco
Iran
Group C
France
Australia
Peru
Denmark
Group D:
Argentina
Iceland
Croatia
Nigeria
Group E:
Brazil
Switzerland
Costa Rica
Serbia
Group F:
Germany
Mexico
Sweden
South Korea
Group G:
Belgium
Panama
Tunisia
England
Group H:
Poland
Senegal
Colombia
Japan
So, what do we think of England's group?
Belgium, Panama and Tunisia.
Not the hardest of groups but not one to take lightly. Belgium obviously pose the greatest challenge. This is a country that we've never lost to in a competitive game, however, this shouldn't detract from the fact that their current XI boosts some of the best players on the planet. Similarly, we've played Tunisia twice on the international stage and have never lost. Our most recent encounter with the side game in the 1998 World Cup Group stages, in which Alan Shearer and Paul Scholes struck to secure us victory. As for Panama, a side making their World Cup debut, we've never played them before.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments