Which two teams will reach the final - and who will win?

Spain and Portugal contesting the final, with Spain taking the title. I have tried our Bracketology game 20 times and seen 20 varied routes but Spain always claim victory. Alexander Abnos

My recent attempt with the Guardian's engaging Bracketology tool produced a France versus Argentina repeat. Rather than try once more, I will stick with France winning. Nick Ames

The vision from that 2007 image realized: Lamine Yamal and Spain facing Lionel Messi and Argentina. It remains close; right now my coin favors Spain. Ella Brockway

France overcoming Portugal in the final. Ben Fisher

England defeating France. They possess depth and skill, a coach suited to knockout stages, seem ready for the setting and hold valuable experience from recent deep runs. Bryan Armen Graham

Spain meeting France in the final with the French coming out on top. Possibly. Barry Glendenning

France beating Argentina. Didier Deschamps brings attacking options that can decide key moments. David Hytner

In my Bracketology selection England face Spain, with Spain winning. This shows fresh hope for England after weaker results and confidence that Spain's group is stronger overall than France's. Spain's skill and style should prove key. Paul MacInnes

A similar matchup: France and Argentina, yet a changed result. France lifting the trophy. Ewan Murray

France hold the resources to claim a third crown. The opponent? Likely Argentina again. Osasu Obayiuwana

Spain and Portugal, with Spain boosting the contest by beating the debut finalists. Jeff Rueter

When I mapped it weeks ago France beat Argentina - but experts now suggest Argentina lack form. So Spain. Or France. Or, no I won't say it ... could we? Max Rushden

I completed a full simulation and reached France and Argentina. France win. They offer greater talent and know-how than any side. Leander Schaerlaeckens

The setting may help Argentina but I expect them to fall to Spain in the final - provided Luis de la Fuente's wingers perform. Jacob Steinberg

France beating Spain in the final. Spain are European champions yet injuries and tiredness could affect them, while France have the depth to handle a cautious coach. Jonathan Wilson

Who will win the Golden Boot?

Mikel Oyarzabal. The Spain striker can score freely against Cape Verde in the groups and should feature late in the event, even without a final appearance. AA

Though he may not lift the trophy, Harry Kane remains sharp and could build a strong lead across England's opening four matches. Outside choice: Japan's Ayase Ueda, a prolific scorer for a team expected to do well. NA

Kane guiding England to a semi-final versus Argentina, then a goal in the third-place match to edge past Kylian Mbappe for top scorer. EB

Kane could score heavily. BF

Mbappe. No player has won the Golden Boot twice, yet football's finest counter attacker is well placed to be the first. Few combine his finishing with the chance of seven or eight games. BAG

Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal could score multiple times against Cape Verde and add from the bench later to claim the award. BG

Mbappe. DH

Kane. He is consistent and England's early games are manageable so he could build a solid tally by the last 16. PM

Mbappe. EM

It might come from a nation exiting early, like Norway's Erling Haaland. Gary Lineker won the award in 1986 even though England exited in the quarters. OO

In a time with fewer top strikers, Kane strengthens his standing and Ballon d'Or case. JR

I will not tempt fate with Harry Kane so I pick Brian Brobbey, as I enjoy the name. MR

Mbappe. Even after a difficult season he netted 49 goals. A World Cup with slower play in heat and fatigue suits his counter style. LS

Kane enters the event fully fit at last. JS

Mbappe: France will progress far and he will lead their attack and take penalties. He already has 12 World Cup goals and could break Miroslav Klose's record. JW

Who will be the surprise team of the tournament?

Ecuador. The South Americans conceded five goals across 18 qualifiers and will enjoy solid backing. I see them reaching the semis. AA

Ecuador match the profile with elite defence, strong leader Moisés Caicedo and capacity to compete in any match. Their quarter-final path is hard but few will enjoy facing a side that concedes little. NA

Strong defences matter in tournaments and Ecuador possess one. In 13 recent matches they conceded only six goals. That base should offset limited scoring and carry them to the last 16. EB

Norway sailed through qualifying for their first World Cup since 1998, winning all eight games and scoring 37 goals, with Erling Haaland claiming 16. They are loaded with attack options. Japan also appeal, even if third in Group F. BF

Senegal. They are hard to break down and carry pace and invention on the break to test anyone - and they seek payback after the Afcon setback. BAG

Ecuador finished second to Argentina in qualifying and could surprise. They appear short up front but boast fine defence, strong midfield and will handle the conditions well. BG

Japan face a tough group but make life difficult for rivals by pressing in numbers. The issue, as always, is scoring. Hajime Moriyasu's 3-4-2-1 offers a base. DH

The emerging sides outside the big names head for the same draw section: Ecuador, Norway and Japan bring strong records, solid squads and identity. They may eliminate each other. PM

Japan has over 120 million people yet has never passed the last 16. They will this time. EM

Cape Verde. The nation of 500,000 may debut at the World Cup without stars, but they are organized and will not be easy targets. Do not underestimate them. OO

A frequent 2022 pick, Ecuador now carry more experience. Few match a defence of Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapié, Joel Ordóñez and Pervis Estupiñán, backed by Caicedo's work rate. JR

One preview noted Scotland's midfield could challenge Brazil. MR

Norway. Absent since 1998 and, I believe, able to win a knockout tie or two. LS

Ecuador feature Champions League defenders, Caicedo in midfield and are unbeaten in 18 games. They look awkward and may like these conditions. JS

Japan will miss Kaoru Mitoma, but even without him and other doubts they dominated qualifying. They could be Asia's finest side ever. JW

Who will be breakthrough player of the tournament?

Gilberto Mora, Mexico. The 17-year-old shows maturity and creativity that delights. He appears ready for standout moments as co-hosts. AA

I had hoped to name Lennart Karl. With the German talent unavailable, Antonio Nusa of Norway could shine if the 21-year-old finds form. NA

Côte d'Ivoire winger Yan Diomande could excel and secure a move to a top European club. He is quick, creative and already linked with Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain. EB

Rayan. The 19-year-old settled quickly in the Premier League with Bournemouth and scored his first Brazil goal at the Maracanã. Carlo Ancelotti has noticed, preferring him to others. BF

Nusa. Known as the Norwegian Neymar as a teen, the 21-year-old RB Leipzig winger dribbles boldly and scores spectacular goals. With Norway returning after 28 years and Haaland and Ødegaard in focus, he is set to emerge. BAG

If Turkey exceed expectations as usual, 21-year-old winger Kenan Yildiz should stand out. BG

Diomande. Premier League scouts are watching. DH

This could suit wingers, as beating a man matters in tough conditions. So perhaps Rayan, Diomande, Morocco's Gessime Yassine or Scotland's Ben Gannon-Doak. PM

Japan's Keito Nakamura. Also watch Mexico's 17-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora. EM

Lamine Yamal. The World Cup offers him a stage if Luis de la Fuente's plans allow him to show his ability. OO

A safe choice, yet Arda Güler can be missed among Real Madrid's stars. He will lead Turkey in an open Group D. JR

Manuel Neuer, Enner Valencia, Dick Advocaat. MR

Ricardo Pepi. The PSV striker has been sharp recently and will have home support. He scores freely but has not fully delivered - until now. LS

Enzo Fernández rose at the last World Cup. This time I await another young Argentine, Nico Paz, who has shone for Como. JS

Ibrahim Maza of Algeria is only 20 yet has a growing name at Bayer Leverkusen. A clever No 10 who spots space early. JW

Which player or team are you most looking forward to watching?

I would not call it looking forward exactly, but I am keen to observe Iran given the unusual non-football issues affecting their build-up, daily lives and those of their families and countrymen. AA

It may be optimistic given injury issues, but Alexander Isak could light up the event if Graham Potter unlocks his best. I want to see if Morocco can repeat the intensity and skill that took them to the 2022 semis and whether Senegal can move past Afcon disappointment. NA

Japan have produced some of the World Cup's biggest recent shocks - beating Germany and Spain in Qatar with under 30% possession. Losing Kaoru Mitoma hurts but they have a good route from Group F. A semi-final run is possible if the draw opens. EB

There is sentiment for those who sense this is their final World Cup. Edin Dzeko, Guillermo Ochoa, Luka Modric. Also New Zealand's 36-year-old centre-back Tommy Smith of Braintree Town. BF

Lamine Yamal. It is uncommon for someone so young to already rank among the game's biggest draws. Yamal has the chance to define his generation before turning 20. Every touch holds the chance of something memorable.