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2018 World Cup just 100 days away

Just over three months remain before the prestigious summer tournament, in which Barça players are likely to play a starring role

FC Barcelona take a break from LaLiga action in the summer, but the players are set for a busy 2018 World Cup in Russia. The competition, which is just 100 days away, has at least one Barça player likely to feature in every group.

Group A: Uruguay

Uruguay placed second in the South American qualifying stages. Featuring Barça striker Luis Suárez up front, they go up against hosts Russia, as well as Egypt and Saudi Arabia, in Group A.

Group B: Spain and Portugal

Spain topped their qualifying group, with nine wins from ten games. They are paired with Morocco, Iran and reigning European champions Portugal in Group B, and Barça players have long formed the backbone of the team.

Portugal, who went through to the competition proper as group winners after victory in their final game against Switzerland, have André Gomes and Nelson Semedo as regulars.

Group C: France

The winners of their tough qualifying group, Ousmane Dembélé, Lucas Digne and Samuel Umtiti's France bested the likes of Sweden and Holland. In the World Cup itself, they play Australia, Denmark and Peru.

Group D: Argentina and Croatia

Argentina nearly missed out on qualification, but a hat trick from Lionel Messi in Ecuador confirmed their presence. Ivan Rakitic's Croatia are amongst their opponents in Group D, which also features Nigeria and Iceland.

Group E: Brazil

Paulinho and Coutinho, are important players for a Brazil side that were the first to get through the qualifying stages.

Group F: Germany

Ter Stegen is in the running to be Germany's goalkeeper in Russia. They won their group and have been drawn against Mexico, Sweden and South Korea.

Group G: Belgium

Thomas Vermaelen's Belgium were unbeaten in their group and claimed nine victories in qualifying. They face England, Tunisia and Panama.

Group H: Colombia

Fourth in the South American qualifying rounds, Colombia left it late to book their ticket to the 2018 World Cup. Japan, Poland and Senegal will be their opponents, and Yerry Mina is set to be part of their squad.

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