2014 FIFA World Cup: The Final 32

After a marathon qualifying process for the 2014 FIFA World Cup that has seen over 800 matches played and 207 countries involved, the qualifying has come to its conclusion with Uruguay becoming the last team to qualify. The 32 teams heading to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil are all decided and there will be a few different countries represented compared to four years ago in South Africa. In total, there will be eight changes since the last World Cup. Bosnia and Herzegovina will be making their maiden appearance at the World Cup. From Asian zone, Iran returns after having missed the 2010 World Cup. From CONCACAF region Costa Rica returns having made their last appearance in 2006 while from South America, Colombia will participate in their first World Cup since 1998 and Ecuador also returns after making their last appearance in 2006. Europe sees the return of Belgium, Croatia and Russia to the World Cup along with debutants Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Here is the list of the 32 teams for the 2014 World Cup:

Asia: Australia, Iran, Japan, South Korea

Africa: Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria
North, Central America and Caribbean: Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, USA

South America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Uruguay

Europe: Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Switzerland

The final draw for the 2014 World Cup will be held in Mata de Sao Joao in Bahia on 6 December 2013. The 32 qualified teams will be divided into 4 pots. The seeded pot (Pot 1) will contain the hosts Brazil and the seven best-ranked qualified teams according to the October 2013 FIFA World Rankings, which includes Spain, Germany, Argentina, Colombia, Belgium, Switzerland and Uruguay. So missing from pot 1 are the traditional heavyweights like Netherlands, Italy, France, England and Portugal and there is a high chance that these big teams will be paired with the pre-tournament favorites like Brazil, Spain, Argentina and Germany in the group stage itself.

The 2014 FIFA World Cup will be the 20th FIFA World Cup and that is going to take place from 12 June to 13 July 2014.