Twenty-four nations have now guaranteed a place at the World Cup finals. Japan became the first team to join hosts Germany for the finals on June 8. They were quickly followed that day by Iran, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Argentina.

Then, on September 3, Ukraine qualified for the finals - for the first ever time - along with the United States. The following day champions Brazil confirmed their place.

A few days' later they were joined by Mexico. And on October 8, the next teams to book places were Tunisia, Togo, Ghana, Angola, Ivory Coast, England, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Netherlands, Croatia, Costa Rica, Paraguay and Ecuador.

Once again there will be 32 teams in the finals - here's the latest World Cup Football Groups and Standings: