When does the World Cup start, when do England play, how many teams are there, when is the 2018 final, who will win?

Everything you need to know about he 2018 World Cup finals in Russia

When does the 2018 World Cup start?

The 21st World Cup gets underway on Thursday 14th June with the opening ceremony inside the Luzhniki Stadium – which will also host the opening game between hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia.

The opening ceremony is due to begin from 14:00 BST, with the Group A fixture kicking off two hours later at 16:00 BST. As well as events inside the stadium, a concert will be held concurrently with the opening ceremony at Moscow’s famous Red Square, with tenors Placido Domingo and Juan Diego Florez the only names confirmed to perform along with around 500 dancers.

How many teams are there in the 2018 World Cup?

There will be 32 teams competing at the 2018 World Cup, but this could be the last time that the eight-by-four group format is used. Fifa have already planned to expand the World Cup to 48 teams by 2026, but current president Gianni Infantino has opened the door to rushing through those plans in time for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar – despite fears that there is not enough time to meet the demands needed for an expanded tournament.

Who won the last World Cup?

Germany secured their fourth World Cup in their history last time out at Brazil 2014 as they dominated all comers to lift the trophy for the first time in 24 years – following West Germany’s triumphs in 1954, 1974 and 1990. They memorably thrashed Brazil 7-1 in the semi-final that will remain long in the memory of the Selecao for all the wrong reasons, before beating Argentina 1-0 in extra-time thanks to a Mario Götze winner.

This time around, Götze doesn’t even make the squad.

Who will win this World Cup?

It’s very hard to look past Germany retaining their crown, but history has shown that it’s extremely difficult to win consecutive World Cups as only two nations have achieved such a feat more than 50 years ago. Brazil were the last to do so in 1958 and 1962, with Italy also doing so in 1934 and 1938, wand while the Azzurri are perhaps the most notable absentee this year having failed to qualify, Brazil look to be a far better proposition than they were four years ago.

Other contenders who cannot be ruled out include 2010 champions Spain and the talent-laden France side, while both Portugal and Argentina will look to their talismanic figures in Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi respectively to carry them all the way. Belgium will also hope to finally deliver on their promise, or risk letting their own ‘Golden Generation’ go to waste.

And who knows, despite being written off by the world’s media, England have been keen to talk up their own chances die to the belief they currently have under manager Gareth Southgate.

The World Cup begins on 14 June as Russia kick off the 21st global tournament (Getty)

When is the 2018 World Cup final?

Once all is said and done, the final two nations left in the World Cup will contest the final on 15 July at the Luzhniki Stadium, with kick-off at 16:00 BST.

When is England’s first World Cup game?

England will have to wait a few days before beginning their campaign, with their opening Group G fixture against Tunisia on Monday 18 June at 19:00 BST. They then face Panama on Sunday 24 June at 13:00 BST, before rounding out their group campaign against Belgium on Thursday 28 June at 19:00 BST.

How many games are there in the World Cup?

In total there are 64 matches at the 2018 World Cup – 48 group games, eight round-of-16 games, four quarter-finals, two semi-finals, a third-place play-off and the final.