Odds a Bayern player takes home the FIFA World Cup trophy

The 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia begins in less than two days and Bayern Munich have a strong representation of players, increasing the chances of a 2018 Bundesliga champion to take back the trophy to Säbener Straße. Each player at the tournament will bring Bayern a significant bonus as well.

FC Bayern have sent twelve squad members to Russia (counting Leon Goretzka), representing five countries. Aside from its level of pride, FIFA will pay Bayern Munich €7,200 ($8,490) per day for each of their players (Abendzeitung). In the group stage alone, €150 million ($209 million) will be awarded to 384 clubs that will be represented in the big dance.

FIFA has increased its ‘Club Benefits Programme’ budget since its birth prior to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. An agreement between the world football government and the European Club Association (ECA), which represents not just European teams but all clubs that are represented by players in the World Cup, will be a key source of Bayern’s summer income.

The compensation begins two weeks before the players’ first matches and ends on the day of elimination. The level of compensation is based on how many players the club sends to the tournament. Bayern have sent the seventh-most players this year, while Manchester City lead with 16, according to Statista. In 2014, Bayern Munich sent the most to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil (15).

Bayern’s Nations:

Germany

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Seven of Bayern’s eleven will play for Germany who have the second best odds (+475, behind Brazil at +400) to win the World Cup, according to Fox Sports. Manuel Neuer, Jérôme Boateng, Mats Hummels, Joshua Kimmich, Thomas Müller, Niklas Süle and Sebastian Rudy. As of July 1, it will be eight of twelve, as Leon Goretzka officially becomes a Bayern player.

Can you say ‘cha-ching’?

The reigning champions have one of the deepest squads this year and will look to showcase that in their first match in Group F against Mexico June 17.

Spain

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After Germany, Bayern’s odds of a World Cup champion returning to the club are slim. Thiago Alcantara represents Bayern and Spain. La Roja have the next best odds after Germany at +600.

Despite transfer rumors, linking the La Mesia product with a return to Barcelona, Thiago is expected to dictate the midfield for Spain.

Bayern fans can watch Thiago June 15 when they begin their World Cup quest against Portgual in Group B.

France

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‘New guy’, Colentin Tolisso will suit up for Les Bleus, acting as the sole Bayern player in the squad as well. Behind Germany and Spain, France are picked as the fourth-most likely to win the World Cup, at +700.

Tolisso had a solid showing during France’s World Cup send-off against the United States. His consistent quality has put pressure on manager Didier Deschamps to start the Bayern midfielder alongside or in replacement of Paul Pogba.

The world will see June 16 when France face Australia in Group C.

Poland

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Robert Lewandowski. The 29-year-old scored 29 goals in all competitions for Bayern Munich this season and has already scored four goals for Poland in 2018. His last two came in today’s 4-0 win in a friendly against Lithuania.

The Golden Boot comes into question when ‘Lewy’ suits up for the Poles against Senegal June 19 in Group H, although Poland is a long shot to win it all (+8000).

Columbia

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Speaking of the Golden Boot, let’s not forget the emergence of attacking midfielder James Rodriguez. The 2014 Golden Boot winner surprised all the last time around, scoring six goals and leading Colombia to the quarter-final, where they lost to Brazil. Bayern and Germany fans know what happened next.

Bayern fans will have the pleasure of seeing two of their players face off when James’ Colombia face Lewy’s Poland on matchday 2, June 24. James will play Japan first June 19.

Columbia are listed just outside the top 10 in Fox Sports’ World Cup odds (11th, +4500).

Will James and company surprise again in Russia?