Ferguson, however, feels there could be one or two surprises in store in the next few weeks.

He believes Germany and Ireland could be fighting it out for second spot.

Ferguson said he was impressed with the way Cameroon performed in a warm-up match against England, which ended in a draw at the weekend.

Their game with Ireland takes place tomorrow and the Manchester United manager said: ‘‘It is not a hard group to win.

‘‘Germany are not at their best and Cameroon may be the team to win that group.

‘‘I thought they did okay against England. They had a lot of athleticism in their team and a lot of speed in their team. They are also tough.

‘‘They always do quite well in the early days of the tournament. I’m expecting Cameroon to do well in that group.’’

While Ferguson believes Brazil can regain the world crown, he insists holders France will take some shifting.

They begin their defence of the trophy today against Senegal.

‘‘In terms of the best team it is without question France,’’ he said.

‘‘They have proved themselves. Keeping their team together over the last four to six years has proved vital to them.

‘‘They have great experience in Thuram, Desailly, Barthez and Lizarazu at the back. They are formidable in that area.

‘‘They have a lot of speed up front in Henry and Wiltord and a great finisher in Trezeguet.

‘‘Then you have the strength of Vieira and Petit in midfield so they have a very solid unit, who understand each other.

‘‘I like Brazil, though, because the odds are better than France, 8-1 compared to 4-1. They were better odds than I thought at the time.

‘‘Brazil have got all their best players available - and several outstanding ones at that. The climate and conditions should suit them.’’