FIFA World Cup: Ultimate guide to Group C

Group C looms as one of the most intriguing and challenging places to be at the 2018 FIFA World Cup with Australia, Denmark, France and Peru all a chance of reaching the knockout rounds.

Each match, set to be played across three venues, could be separated by a matter of fine margins in what is set to be a fierce battle for the top two spots.

Here's the key information you need to know about each team's preparation for Russia.

FIXTURES

16 June: France v Australia - Kazan Arena, Kazan (8:00pm AEST)
17 June: Peru v Denmark - Mordovia Arena, Saransk (2:00am AEST)

21 June: Denmark v Australia - Cosmos Arena, Samara (10:00pm AEST)
22 June: France v Peru - Central Stadium, Yekaterinburg (1:00am AEST)

26 June: Denmark v France - Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow (10:00pm AEST)
26 June: Australia v Peru - Fisht Olympic Stadium, Sochi (10:00pm AEST)

SQUADS

TRAINING CAMPS

Australia's 26-man group will come from far and wide to join up for an intensive training camp in the coastal town of Antalya, Turkey commencing May 20.

It's a different story for our first opponents France, who are preferring to enjoy home comforts before heading straight for their tournament base in the week leading up to the match at Kazan Arena.

Peru, meanwhile, are taking no time to rest, with a group of 16 players from home and abroad already training together in Lima ahead of their departure for Europe at the end of May.

Denmark have a trip to Sweden before their farewell friendly on home soil and will then fly out to Russia on June 11, just a few days out from facing Peru.

PRE-TOURNAMENT FRIENDLIES

France face a busy schedule before heading to Russia with a trio of home friendlies against the Republic of Ireland in Paris on May 29 (5:00am AEST), Italy in Nice on June 2 (5:00am AEST) and the United States in Lyon on June 10 (5:00am AEST).

Peru have also scheduled in three warm-up outings, beginning against Scotland in Lima on May 30 (11:00am AEST). They then head for Europe and take on Saudi Arabia in St. Gallen on June 4 (4:00am AEST) and Sweden in Gothenburg on June 10 (3:15am AEST).

Denmark are opting for a less intensive route to Russia with a hit-out against Sweden in Stockholm on 3 June (3:45am AEST) followed by a farewell date with Mexico in Copenhagen on 10 June (5:00am AEST).

And it's a similar plan for Australia, who meet Czech Republic in the Austrian city of St. Polten on June 1 (9:00pm AEST) and Hungary in Bundapest on June 10 (1:30am AEST). Both matches will be broadcast live on FOX Sports and Network Ten.

TOURNAMENT BASES

France and Peru have both opted to stay within the Moscow region despite a lack of match action in the Russian capital, with Peru playing no games there.

Les Bleus will be based 30 minutes north of Moscow at the Hilton Garden Inn Moscow New Riga, where they can enjoy delights such as an in-house cinema, and will train at the nearby Glebovets Stadium.

It's a similar set-up for Peru, who will be next door to the international airport during their stay at the Sheraton Hotel. Their training venue is the state-of-the-art Arena Khimki.

Something quite different is on the agenda for Denmark at the Beton Brut Resort in Anapa, which is a popular holiday destination located along the Black Sea. Their sunny surrounds feature two pools for good measure, with training to be held at the nearby Pontos Stadium.

Australia, meanwhile, will make their home in Kazan, the scene of the opening group game against Kazan. Van Marwijk's men will take over the impressive facilities used by the professional Ak Bars ice hockey club and train at the Trudovye Rezervy Stadium.

France World Cup base
Amenities at France's team hotel.