If there was a World Food Cup, who would win? You can't say Italy since they aren't competing this year. But the players are strong - some of the stars of the Cup might include the Spanish paella, Mexican tacos, or the South Korean bibimbap.
Caviar surely advances past the group stage since they're the hosts, but it will be difficult to go further because their game falls apart in the next stage due to Vodka. Can ceviche kick out France already in the group stage? Does the Serbian pljeskavica have any chance against the Brazilian churrasco?
Who reaches the finals, and who wins?
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GROUP A
Although Russia's the host, the rest of the group may pose a serious threat. Except to the vodka. No one threatens the vodka.
GROUP B
The duel of Pyrenean desserts, pastel de nata against churros, seems like the most promising match of this group. Still, we shouldn't forget about tajine and abgoosht, who are known to be dangerous on the counter.
GROUP C
France appears to be the clear favorite here, though lamington and danish pastry are in good form this year, as well as Peru's prolific ceviche.
GROUP D
The versatile asado will most likely carry Argentina to the next stage. It will be interesting to watch skyr, štrukli, and jollof rice fight for the second place.
GROUP E
Will Switzerland be able to melt their opponents? Or are the meaty churrasco, olla de carne, and pljeskavica the super-subs of this group?
GROUP F
Sweden may be the culinary underdog of this group, but they're the only ones with a dessert up their sleeve - the delectable kladdkaka.
GROUP G
The clash of the fries (pommes frites vs. fish and chips) might even end up in a penalty shootout, though hojaldres against brik seems like a match we don't want to miss.
GROUP H
Is Sushi powerful enough to dribble past this group? Can we expect the Polish pierogi to advance as well?