As each confederation reaches the climactic moments of their World Cup qualifying series, twenty-three nations are already certain of their place in Russia next summer.
With the likes of Croatia, Italy, Peru and Ireland amongst those whose presence at the 2018 World Cup is as yet unconfirmed, Chile and the United States have joined Cameroon in being the respective continental champions who will not participate in the World Cup.
Below is a quick guide through those who have already qualified, those who are looking likely to, and a selection of the surprising nations who have, or may yet, miss out.
Qualified Nations:
Europe:
Russia (Hosts)
Belgium
CONGRATULATIONS! 👏👏👏
🇧🇪Belgium become the second European team, after hosts 🇷🇺Russia, to secure their place at next year's #WorldCup! pic.twitter.com/b14kFEBPER— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) September 3, 2017
England
France
Germany
Iceland
Iceland have qualified for their first ever World Cup. They're a bloody good side. Only losing 2-1 to them now looks a triumph...ish.
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) October 9, 2017
Poland
Portugal
Serbia
Spain
South America:
Brazil
Uruguay
Argentina
Colombia
Africa:
Egypt
Nigeria
Asia:
Iran
Japan
Saudi Arabia
South Korea
BREAKING - South Korea 🇰🇷 qualify for #WorldCup2018 - the first Asian nation to qualify for the #WorldCup 10 times or more!
— World Cup Times (@World_Cup_Times) September 5, 2017
North, Central America & Caribbean:
Costa Rica
Mexico
Panama
Still Able To Qualify:
Europe - Switzerland, Denmark, Croatia, Italy, Sweden, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Greece
South America - Peru
Africa - Tunisia, Morocco/Ivory Coast, Senegal
Asia - Australia
North, Central America & Caribbean - Honduras
Oceania - New Zealand
What Happens Now?
With the European play-off ties to be determined on October 17th, Australia, Peru, Honduras and New Zealand now know what stands between them and the World Cup.
On the 6th and 14th of November, Peru will face New Zealand while Australia take on Honduras for a place in Russia.
