Spain midfielder Saul Niguez has claimed that Germany, Brazil and France will be his nation's three main rivals to triumph at the 2018 World Cup this summer.

Spain exited the 2014 World Cup in the group stages, but are regarded as one of the favourites to win this summer's competition in Russia.

Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul is expecting a strong challenge from Germany, Brazil and France, but the 23-year-old has talked up La Roja's qualities ahead of the tournament.

"Germany, Brazil and France will be our great rivals. If there is a team that can take the ball away from us then it's possible we will suffer, but that will be hard with the players we have," Saul told Radio Marca.

Spain will open their Group B campaign against Portugal on June 15.