The 2018 World Cup kicks off on the 14th June with hosts Russia taking on Saudi Arabia on the opening night.

When the domestic football season draws to its close in the coming weeks and the Champions League final has been played, all 32 nations competing in Russia this summer will play a couple of international friendlies to warm them up.

Whilst international friendlies aren’t always glamourous there are a couple of games that are certainly worth keeping an eye on.  Here’s why:

Argentina vs Nicaragua: Are you serious?

Argentina were unconvincing as they scraped through in qualifying.  Currently, the two-time World Cup champions only have one pre-tournament friendly lined up… and it’s against Nicaragua.

The Central American country are currently ranked 136th in the world so one would wonder what Argentina have in their mind here.  Of course, we expect further friendlies to be announced but time is starting to run out.

We still don’t know whether Sergio Aguero will have recovered from his knee injury in time to be part of the squad so it will be interesting to see if the Manchester City striker is ready for this friendly.

France vs Italy: The big guns

Italy, the four-time world champions failed to make it to Russia this summer but France versus Italy should make for a good match to start June.

Didier Deschamps’ side were handed a very favourable group that consists of Australia, Peru and Denmark so perhaps playing the likes of Italy and USA in friendlies is the sternest test they’re going to have before the knockouts.

France are third favourites with the bookmakers heading into Russia so but cannot afford to get too carried away with their group – six points from their opening two games to book their place into the second round will be the minimum expectations after losing the final of Euro 2016 to Portugal on home soil.

The likes of Paul Pogba, Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann could all come up against the Italian defence in this one.

Belgium vs Portugal: England’s biggest threat

England failed to make it out of their group four years ago but have been handed a favourable draw in Russia this summer.  Should Gareth Southgate’s side live up to expectations and beat both Tunisia and Panama, the heavyweight match that should determine the group winner will be against Belgium.

The Red Devils are the sixth favourites to win the tournament according to World Cup 2018 odds from Betfair, and with their golden generation of players in their prime they cannot be overlooked.

Kevin De Bruyne is in the form of his life, Eden Hazard seems to be saving his energy for the summer and Michy Batshuayi has found some form in Germany. They have top players in all positions – Thibaut Courtois, Thomas Meunier, Toby Alderweireld, Thomas Vermaelen, Jan Vertonghen, Mousa Dembele, Dries Mertens, Romelu Lukaku and co. – so not only do Belgium have the potential to embarrass England, but to go a long way as well.

Austria vs Germany: The return of Neuer?

Germany don’t take international friendlies too seriously but their pre-World Cup starts in Austria on Saturday, 2nd June.  The most significant news from this match could be the return of Manuel Neuer.

The Bayern Munich shot stopper has been out of action since mid-September with a broken metatarsal and is unsure whether he’ll be fit in time for the World Cup.  Neuer was arguably the greatest goalkeeper in the world at the time of his injury.

Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen could deputise in place of the 32-year-old, with his only previous international tournament participation being at last summer’s Confederations Cup.  He also played five qualifiers in the build up to this World Cup.  Ter Stegen is a top goalkeeper in his own right.

England vs Nigeria: The visitors

England’s first of two friendlies at Wembley before they head to Russia is against Nigeria.  The Super Eagles qualified with a game to spare in an impressive qualifying campaign under German manager Gernot Rohr.

The team now consist of a number of exciting youngsters who play a very good counter-attacking game.  They have ball winners in the middle of the park and have been defending well – they could be one of the surprise nations this summer in Russia.  We’ll get to see them in London before the 2018 World Cup kicks off.

England vs Costa Rica: Who starts?

After facing Nigeria, England then play Costa Rica in a friendly.  In the final build up match to the World Cup, 11 days before their tournament begins, perhaps Gareth Southgate will have a better idea who will be his first XI for the opening match against Tunisia.

Currently we’re not sure the manager knows who is strongest defence or who his first choice goalkeeper is and with the Premier League season coming to an end, Southgate doesn’t have much time left to work it out!

Norway vs Panama: The minnows

Panama are making their World Cup debut after qualifying in dramatic fashion.  Their first game in Russia can’t get much tougher as they start with group favourites Belgium.  England are next up for Panama so their fans may want to check out the pre-tournament friendly the Central American nation has against Norway.

Perhaps not a game England can learn much from other than getting to know the players.  Norway have been poor in recent years.

Germany vs Saudi Arabia: Is Pizzi ready?

Saudi Arabia have sacked two managers since qualifying for the World Cup and currently have former Chile manager, Juan Antonio Pizzi, in charge.  The Spaniard has several friendlies between now and the start of the competition to get his team playing the way he wants.

Pizzi’s side are already the weakest side on paper in their group and, as his first competitive match is the 2018 World Cup opener against hosts Russia, it won’t make things any easier.  Meanwhile, Germany are among the favourites and have been backed by many tips on the FIFA World Cup.

Spain vs Tunisia: Scouting

England’s first group stage opponents have three warm up matches, concluding with Spain.  With their team not being made up of household names in Europe it’s a good opportunity for both teams and coaching staff to identify some strengths and weaknesses.

Given that the Spanish style of football is to dominate possession and break down the opposition with passes in and around the penalty area, this could be a good match for Gareth Southgate’s side to watch considering how they like to keep a hold of the ball these days.

Austria vs Brazil: Are the favourites ready?

Brazil headed into their home tournament as favourites four years ago and never really convinced at any point prior to their humiliating 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Germany in the semi-finals.

Tite’s side head to Russia with a stronger squad this time around.  Goalkeeper Alisson has been one of the best in Europe this season with Roma, whilst Dani Alves, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva and Marcelo are serial winners in defence.

Neymar remains the star but he won’t be carrying his nation on his back this summer.  Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, Paulinho, Willian and Douglas Costa have all been in fine form this season, whilst Gabriel Jesus is getting an end of season run out at Manchester City.

However, Brazil’s friendlies will be taking place in England and Austria before they kick off their tournament in Russia on 17th June – are they preparing well enough to deserve their tag as favourites?