The 2018 World Cup in Russia is set to finally kick off on June 14, as the globe's best nations and players prepare to do battle for the biggest prize there is on offer in football.

With so many star-studded squads ready to depart for the finals in Russia this coming summer, the home fans throughout the country will be treated to a host of big names and high-profile players representing their respective nations.

So, ahead of the highly awaited World Cup on Russian soil, here are the top four football stars to look out for in the latest international tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

The most obvious one is at the start of this list. Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably the best player on the planet, with Lionel Messi fans sure to debate such a billing, but he is undoubtedly the most high profile.

Real Madrid's goalscoring ace rallied to an incredible Euro 2016 triumph with his nation Portugal two years ago in France, despite missing the majority of the final through an injury sustained during proceedings.

The La Liga and Champions League hitman is now seeking further national honours as Portugal captain and his country are seen as promising 25/1 outsiders in the latest football betting to secure 2018 World Cup glory as well this summer.

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Any major football tournament isn't complete without the little maestro Lionel Messi. The Barcelona superstar has helped Argentina qualify for Russia, despite looking unlikely of doing so during the early stages of their campaign.

Thankfully, the La Liga goal machine is set to feature and any side that boasts the five-time Ballon d'Or winner in their ranks can't be ruled out for outright success.

This could be Messi's final international competition for the South American club, so he'll be aiming to make it a successful one to bow out with.

Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)

Premier League midfield star Kevin de Bruyne is next on the list and following an incredible season for Manchester City, he could yet take the World Cup by storm.

The Sky Blues playmaker has been one of the key performers for his club this term as they have run away with the English top-flight title.

De Bruyne, alongside the likes of Chelsea's Eden Hazard and Manchester United frontman Romelu Lukaku, could have a huge impact in Russia for this star-quality Belgium outfit.

Neymar (Brazil)

Despite suffering a bad injury during the course of 2018 while playing for French giants PSG in Ligue 1, Brazilian superstar Neymar looks more than likely of being fit to skipper his country in Russia.

That's a huge relief to both Brazil and football fans in general, who will want to see the Brazil ace perform at his best and showcase his impressive skills on the grandest stage of them all.

Brazil are still haunted by that thrashing they faced at the hands of Germany at the 2014 World Cup in their own backyard, so Neymar and co will be aiming to put things right on Russian soil this summer.