Eyes on the prize

WHEN the gruelling qualification process for this year's Fifa World Cup began in March 2015, a total of 209 nations began their long quest to be among the lucky 31 to join hosts Russia at the quadrennial sporting extravaganza.

After 868 qualifying matches played over 32 months, football fans are now eagerly awaiting the start of the month-long tournament - the first to be staged in Russia.

With the hosts set to kick things off against Saudi Arabia on June 14 in the first of 64 matches, BT Weekend takes a closer look at five of the hot favourites who will fancy their chances of lifting the golden trophy after the grand final on July 15.