The 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup draw took place in Kazan this week, with the eight teams taking part in the World Cup warm-up tournament placed into two groups.

Seven of the teams are already known, with the champions of the various Confederations joining 2014 World Cup winners Germany and hosts Russia for the draw.

The only continent that is not yet represented is Africa, is the winner of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, which will only be known after the final of the competition in Gabon on February 5.

The World Cup precursor kicks off in Saint Petersburg on June 17 and will end at the same venue on July 2, with matches also taking place in Moscow, Sochi and Kazan.

In the absence of the African representative, which will come from one of the 16 competitors at the Nations Cup, the draw revealed the teams that the eventual African champion will need to contend with in Russia next year.

Africans will cheer on their champion in Group B, with World Cup winners Germany, Copa America holders Chile and Asian champs Australia set to face off with the 2017 Nations Cup winners for a place in the semi-finals.

Group A will consist of hosts Russia, Euro 2016 champions Portugal, Mexico from the North American confederation and Oceania’s best, New Zealand.

The team from Africa is certainly in for a difficult time in Russia, having been drawn alongside an incredibly talented German team that are the reigning world champions, a fast and skilful Chile side and an unpredictable Australian national team.

If the African side manages to progress from Group B, there is no reason why they will not be able to go all the way against weaker opponents in Group A.

 

FIFA Confederations Cup Groups

Group A: Russia, Portugal, Mexico, New Zealand

Group B: Germany, Chile, Australia, African champions