FIFA world rankings of 2014 World Cup countries

Spain are justifiably most people's favourites to lift the World Cup in Rio as Vicente del Bosque's reigning champions continue to occupy top spot in the FIFA world rankings ahead of Germany, Portugal and hosts Brazil.

Argentina, who are many people's dark horses to go all the way with the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria in their squad, are currently ranked a surprisingly low seventh, behind South American rivals Colombia (fifth) and Uruguay (sixth).

Belgium, who have entered what some are calling a golden era of rich young talent, are also tipped to do well, although the Fifa rankings have them 12th in the world, a place behind Roy Hodgson's England. However, any team possessing the likes of Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany and Moussa Dembele will not remain outside the top 10 for long.

The highest ranked team in the world rankings who won't be present in Brazil are Ukraine.