Buenos Aires, Nov 28 (IANS): Brazil, Spain and France are early favourites to win next year's FIFA World Cup in Russia, according to Argentina national football team coach Jorge Sampaoli.

But Germany are not at the level that saw them defeat Argentina in the final to win the last World Cup in Brazil in 2014, the former Chile and Sevilla manager said, reports Xinhua news agency.

"I think Brazil, Spain and France are one step ahead of us due to their time working together," Sampaoli told journalism students at the Tea and Deportea school in Buenos Aires.

"I don't mention Germany, not because I forgot them, but because I don't like the way they play."

Sampaoli took charge of Argentina in June with the team in danger of missing the World Cup for the first time since 1970.

The Albiceleste secured their place in the tournament by defeating Ecuador 3-1, thanks to a Lionel Messi hat-trick in their final qualifier in Quito last month.