Brazil legend Kaka has revealed Serbia as pick for the dark horses of the World Cup, as well as who he believes is the three strongest teams at the tournament.
The 2007 Ballon d'Or winner featured at the 2002, 2006 and 2010 tournaments, famously part of the squad that triumphed in 2022 in South Korea and Japan.
France are of course the reigning champions, but the form of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar could be decisive, as the trio look to etch their name even further in to the history books and add to their already stellar legacies.
However, it's Serbia who he believes could shock the world, who released their 26-man squad today that boasted a talented core group of players, all of whom ply their trade in Europe's top five leagues.
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Kaka spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport (via MARCA) as he revealed his picks for the upcoming World Cup.
"Brazil are the favourites because they have been working on it for a long time. It was right to appoint Tite, and the group has the right mix of youth and experience.
"The other main contenders are Argentina and France, while Serbia could be a surprise."
Kaka's dark horse pick of Serbia, who the five-time winners face first on November 24th.
Serbia are rapidly becoming a popular choice for a 'dark horse' pick, as they boast a strong group of players all of whom play in top leagues, with most in good form in the run-up to the tournament.
Their 26-man squad was revealed today which included the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic, Dusan Vlahovic, Dusan Tadic, Sergej MilinkoviÄ-SaviÄ and Filip Kostic to name a few - all of whom boast vast international experience.
Furthermore, Serbia finished top of their World Cup qualification group ahead of Portugal as well as finishing top of the UEFA Nations League B Group ahead of Norway, Slovenia and Sweden.
They've only lost twice in 15 games and could prove to a hugely tough opponent for Brazil.
Brazil will still be the favourites to advance from Group G, as they boast a squad full of world class talent such as Neymar, Casemiro, Thiago Silva, Vinicius Junior, Alisson to name a few, and are being tipped to go far as a result.
Group G sees a highly competitive group that also includes Cameroon and Switzerland, in what could be one of the more entertaining groups.
Reigning champions France will always pose a huge threat due to the sheer quality in their squad.
Being able to call upon the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Karim Benzema and Aurelien Tchouameni (to name a few) means they will be one of the strongest teams at the WC.
Placed in Group D, they find themselves in a more favourable group with Denmark, Tunisia and Australia.
Whilst only two nations ever have won back-to-back WC's (Italy in 1934 & 1938 and Brazil 1958 & 1962) France will fancy their chances having gone all the way in 2018, with most of the same squad involved this time round.
Argentina themselves are also in great form, with their triumph in the Copa America last year part of an unbeaten run that stretches back to 2019.
They also have Lionel Messi in scintillating form, as well as a more fleshed out squad than the one they brought to Russia four years ago.
In Group C they face off against Mexico, Poland and Saudi Arabia, who they face first on Tuesday 22nd November.
Messi confirmed it would be his final WC, as he looks to win the only trophy that has ever eluded him.
The tournament kicks off on the 20th November, as host nation Qatar face Ecuador.
George Priestman