The tournament gets underway in Moscow on Thursday when the hosts take on Saudi Arabia at the Luzhniki Stadium, but big stars are hoping to lead their countries to glory in Russia and this is how they are shaping for the main event.
From winning the Euros with Portugal in 2016 to lifting a third consecutive Champions League trophy with Real Madrid last month, Ronaldo is enjoying the most successful period of his glittering career.
He scored 44 goals in 44 games for Madrid last season and he is sure to be a central figure for his country at the World Cup.