2018 World Cup draw confirmed: see full draw here

Here is the entire World Cup draw for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. 

SUMMARY

Germany will begin its World Cup title defense against Mexico after Friday's draw in Moscow threw together Spain and Portugal in the pick of the group-stage matches at Russia 2018.

Joachim Low's men triumphed on Russian soil in the Confederations Cup earlier this year and start at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium on June 17 versus a side they ran out 4-1 winners over in the semifinals of that tournament.

Mexico's tough assignment comes three days on from the hosts kicking off proceedings in a seemingly favorable opener against Saudi Arabia.

Sweden, which ensured Italy would miss the finals for the first time since 1958, and South Korea join Germany and Mexico in Group F.

Lineker
England's former forward and draw conductor Gary Lineker and Russian sports journalist and draw conductor Maria Komandnaya

Spain and Portugal will play out an Iberian derby in Sochi, a fittingly temperate setting on the Black Sea coast, and the winner will be a heavy favorite to top Group B. Iran and Morocco make up the section.

Russia performed poorly at both Euro 2016 and the Confederations Cup but might fancy its chances of topping the Saudis and Egypt in Group A, where Uruguay will start as favorites.

Five-time champion Brazil being against Switzerland in Rostov and further pairings with Costa Rica and Serbia mean head coach Tite can be pleased with the draw overall.

Great rival Argentina has a more complicated task alongside Euro 2016 surprise package and tournament debutants Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria in Group D. It is the fifth time in Nigeria's six World Cup appearances that it has drawn two-time champion Argentina.

An array of Premier League stars will be in action on the final matchday in Group G, when England takes on Belgium — featuring Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and company — in Kaliningrad. Tunisia and debutants Panama's presence means that match will be expected to double up as a winner-takes-all showdown for top spot.

Peru and Denmark's reward for coming through playoff clashes last month are places in Group C alongside France — benefitting from a stellar generation headed by Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe — and the Socceroos, who saw off Honduras last month to make it to Russia.

Poland is the top seed in Group H, where Colombia represents tough matchday two opposition. Those nations begin against Senegal and Japan, respectively.

For ticket information, head to FIFA's website - www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/ticketing/index