Road to Russia 2018: Brazil through, but who’s in danger of missing the World Cup?

Brazil became the first side to qualify for next year’s tournament, while South American rivals Argentina face the very real prospect of failing to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1970.

Elsewhere, the battle between Spain and Italy looks set to go to the wire in Europe, while Uzbekistan have an outside chance of reaching their first World Cup.

Here, we take an in-depth look at all of the World Cup qualifying sections…

Two of Europe’s heavyweights are neck-and-neck in Group G. Wins in March for both Italy and Spain leave the duo on 13 points, while their meeting in Madrid on September 2 could well decide who qualifies automatically and who drops into a play-off spot.

France’s unbeaten start puts them in pole position in Group A – Didier Deschamps’ side are three points clear of Sweden, while the Netherlands face an uphill battle to qualifying as they are down in fourth behind Bulgaria.

A perfect start for Switzerland (five wins from five) sees them three points ahead of Euro 2016 winners Portugal in Group B, while Germany are looking comfortable in Group C as maximum points so far leaves them five clear of Northern Ireland.

Group F leaders England are four points better off than Slovakia, while Poland have a stranglehold on top spot in Group E as four wins and a draw put them six points clear of both Montenegro and Denmark.

It’s too close to call in Group D currently – Serbia and the Republic of Ireland are level on 11 points, with Wales and Austria four adrift and at risk of missing out.

Group H remains tight with Belgium narrowly ahead of Greece and Bosnia, while Croatia are first in Group I with Iceland, Ukraine and Turkey in pursuit.

Qualified: (0/14)

Brazil booked their spot in Russia next year following a 3-0 win over Paraguay, but it’s the battle for the remaining three automatic spots which is stealing the headlines with seven sides still in contention.

Just six points separate second-placed Colombia with Paraguay in eighth, while Argentina currently sit out of the automatic positions after losing 2-0 in Bolivia. La Albiceleste are also without Lionel Messi for a further three games after he directed insulting words at an assistant referee and missed Tuesday's defeat to Bolivia.

Colombia’s 2-0 win in Ecuador saw them move above Uruguay, who slipped to third in the standings following a 2-1 defeat at Peru – a result which ultimately guaranteed Brazil’s qualification.

Meanwhile, Chile leapfrogged Argentina into fourth with a 3-1 win over Venezuela.

Qualified: Brazil (1/4.5)

It’s looking good for Iran in Group A – two wins in March puts them four points clear at the top ahead of South Korea, who hampered Syria’s chances with a narrow 1-0 win on Tuesday.

Uzbekistan are just one point behind South Korea (with the top two qualifying automatically) following their 1-0 victory over 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar, who sit bottom after one win, one draw and five losses.

In Group B, Japan and Saudi Arabia are level on 16 points after both sides enjoyed two wins during the March international break.

Australia sit three points adrift in third, having drawn 1-1 with Iraq before going on to beat UAE 2-0.

Qualified: (0/4.5)

No group matches took place in March, with the next set of fixtures set to take place in late August and early September.

However, after two games played, Nigeria are four points clear of Cameroon in Group B, while two wins for Egypt has them two points above Uganda in Group E.

Group A is finely poised with Congo DR and Tunisia on six points, while Ivory Coast are top of Group C – two points above Gabon and Morocco.

It’s also close in Group D – Burkina Faso and South Africa are on four points, one clear of Senegal in third.

Qualified: (0/5)

Mexico lead the way in the North America following March victories over Costa Rica and Trinidad and Tobago.

Costa Rica now sit second on seven points after following their 2-0 loss in Mexico with a 1-1 draw in Honduras.

Panama held USA to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday night and now hold a one-point advantage over the Americans in third.

But with six sets of fixtures still to play, the three automatic spots in the CONCACAF qualifiers remain very much up for grabs.

Qualified: (0/3.5)

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New Zealand blitzed their group to reach Oceania’s play-off in November, but their opponents remain unknown after Papua New Guinea’s 2-1 win away to Tahiti keep Group B alive.

Tahiti knew a win would take them through to face New Zealand, but PNG and Solomon Islands are three points behind the group leaders, and crucially have two games in hand each.

Qualified: (0/0.5)