The first match in one of the most difficult groups to call kicks off on Thursday morning as Uruguay face South Korea in the opening encounter of Group H.
Portugal and Ghana are the other opponents awaiting on matchdays two and three, and while the European nation are the favourites to progress, the other sides will all harbour hopes of securing knockout football.
Uruguay vs South Korea latest odds
The South Americans come into this tournament with plenty of confidence and boasting a squad full of top international players.
La Celeste are clear favourites to kick off their campaign with a win, priced at 8/11 (1.72) with bet365 while South Korea are available at 21/4 (5.25) and the draw at 5/2 (3.50).
Uruguay vs South Korea first goal scorer odds
It remains to be seen how Diego Alonso sets up his team but in Uruguay's last friendly at the end of September, Darwin Nunez and Luis Suarez both started in a front two.
The former Liverpool striker in the shortest priced player to opening the scoring at 9/2 (5.50) while the current Liverpool striker is just behind him in the market at 11/2 (6.50).
Edinson Cavani was not fit for that friendly, but the Valencia forward is available and priced at 11/2 (6.50) as well, while Real Madrid's top scorer this season in La Liga Fede Valverde is offered at 9/1 (10.00).
For South Korea who are missing star forward Heung-Min Son, Wolves striker Hee-Chan Hwang is available at 11/1 (12.00).
Uruguay vs South Korea preview
A change of manager was the catalyst for Uruguay to book their place at Qatar with veteran Oscar Tabarez being replaced by Diego Alonso, a move which saw La Celeste win their last four World Cup qualifiers to finish third in the CONMEBOL standings.
With an exciting blend of youth and experience, the two-time World Cup winners are fancied to make the knockout stages and they should have enough quality to come through their opening match with a victory.
Their best players are all in strong form with Rodrigo Betancur excelling for Spurs, Valverde shining for Real Madrid and Nunez scoring goals for Liverpool.
Defensively they will be even more solid when Barcelona's Ronald Araujo is fit enough to start, but backing the South Americans to keep their Asian opponents at bay should appeal.
Uruguay vs South Korea tips and predictions
Backing Uruguay to win at 8/11 (1.72) looks like being an obvious option while backing them to score over 1.5 goals at evens (2.00) also looks like an excellent bet.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
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