On Thursday 16 November, Peru became the final team to secure a World Cup spot thanks to a 2-0 win over New Zealand in the second leg of their playoff match, ensuring qualification for La Blanquirroja for the first time since 1982.
Peru —
On Thursday 16 November, Peru became the final team to secure a World Cup spot thanks to a 2-0 win over New Zealand in the second leg of their playoff match, ensuring qualification for La Blanquirroja for the first time since 1982.
LUKA GONZALES/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Such were the magnitude of the celebrations in Lima when Jefferson Farfan put Peru 1-0 up, an <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedition.cnn.com%2F2017%2F11%2F16%2Ffootball%2Fworld-cup-russia-2018-qualification-lionel-messi-neymar-brazil-england-argentina%2Findex.html">earthquake detector in the city was activated</a> at the exact moment of the goal.
Peru —
Such were the magnitude of the celebrations in Lima when Jefferson Farfan put Peru 1-0 up, an earthquake detector in the city was activated at the exact moment of the goal.
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The Danes are also on their way to the World Cup after midfielder Christian Eriksen led the way with a hat-trick in an emphatic 5-1 victory over the Republic of Ireland in their playoff in Dublin.
Denmark —
The Danes are also on their way to the World Cup after midfielder Christian Eriksen led the way with a hat-trick in an emphatic 5-1 victory over the Republic of Ireland in their playoff in Dublin.
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That treble took Eriksen's Russia 2018 qualifying campaign tally to 11 goals -- a new Danish record.
Denmark —
That treble took Eriksen's Russia 2018 qualifying campaign tally to 11 goals -- a new Danish record.
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But Eriksen wasn't the only midfielder to take home the match ball during qualifying that week, with Australia's <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedition.cnn.com%2F2017%2F11%2F14%2Fsport%2Fdenmark-world-cup-ireland-rout%2Findex.html">Mile Jedinak coming to the fore</a> in a 3-1 win against Honduras.
Australia —
But Eriksen wasn't the only midfielder to take home the match ball during qualifying that week, with Australia's Mile Jedinak coming to the fore in a 3-1 win against Honduras.
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After 29 months, 22 matches and hundreds of thousands of miles of traveling, the Socceroos celebrated qualifying for a fourth consecutive World Cup.
Australia —
After 29 months, 22 matches and hundreds of thousands of miles of traveling, the Socceroos celebrated qualifying for a fourth consecutive World Cup.
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The Atlas Lions booked their place at world football's greatest showpiece for the first time since 1998, topping Group C of African qualification without conceding a goal.
Morocco —
The Atlas Lions booked their place at world football's greatest showpiece for the first time since 1998, topping Group C of African qualification without conceding a goal.
ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Under manager Herve Renard, the only man to win the Africa Cup of Nations with two different countries, Morocco have won five of their past seven fixtures.
Morocco —
Under manager Herve Renard, the only man to win the Africa Cup of Nations with two different countries, Morocco have won five of their past seven fixtures.
FADEL SENNA/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The Lions of Teranga joined them on the plane to Russia, topping Group D undefeated at the expense of Burkina Faso, Cape Verde and South Africa.
Senegal —
The Lions of Teranga joined them on the plane to Russia, topping Group D undefeated at the expense of Burkina Faso, Cape Verde and South Africa.
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It's the first time Senegal have qualified for a World Cup since 2002 when they defied the odds to reach the quarterfinals. Their captain that year, Aliou Cissé, now leads them from the dugout.
Senegal —
It's the first time Senegal have qualified for a World Cup since 2002 when they defied the odds to reach the quarterfinals. Their captain that year, Aliou Cissé, now leads them from the dugout.
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A goalless draw at home to Libya on the final day was enough to see the Eagles of Carthage pip DR Congo to top spot in Group A of African qualifying.
Tunisia —
A goalless draw at home to Libya on the final day was enough to see the Eagles of Carthage pip DR Congo to top spot in Group A of African qualifying.
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With a total of four World Cup group stage exits in their history, head coach Nabil Maâloul's men will hope to go at least one better at Russia 2018.
Tunisia —
With a total of four World Cup group stage exits in their history, head coach Nabil Maâloul's men will hope to go at least one better at Russia 2018.
FETHI BELAID/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
With a population of just 335,000, Iceland became the <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedition.cnn.com%2F2017%2F10%2F10%2Ffootball%2Ficeland-world-cup-russia-2018%2Findex.html">smallest country ever to qualify for the World Cup</a> after beating Kosovo 2-0 to ensure the islanders topped European qualifying Group I.
Iceland —
With a population of just 335,000, Iceland became the smallest country ever to qualify for the World Cup after beating Kosovo 2-0 to ensure the islanders topped European qualifying Group I.
HARALDUR GUDJONSSON/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Trinidad & Tobago, which has a population of 1.3 million, was the previous smallest country to reach a World Cup back in 2006.
Iceland —
Trinidad & Tobago, which has a population of 1.3 million, was the previous smallest country to reach a World Cup back in 2006.
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Nigeria were the first team from Africa to qualify for the upcoming World Cup, seeing off Group B opponents Zambia, Cameroon and Algeria.
Nigeria —
Nigeria were the first team from Africa to qualify for the upcoming World Cup, seeing off Group B opponents Zambia, Cameroon and Algeria.
PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The Super Eagles have only failed to qualify for one tournament -- Germany 2006 -- since their World Cup debut in 1994.
Nigeria —
The Super Eagles have only failed to qualify for one tournament -- Germany 2006 -- since their World Cup debut in 1994.
PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The Pharaohs qualified for Russia 2018 <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedition.cnn.com%2F2017%2F10%2F09%2Ffootball%2Fegypt-world-cup-el-hadary-hector-cuper-congo%2Findex.html">with a game to spare</a>, topping Group E ahead of Ghana, Congo and Uganda to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1990.
Egypt —
The Pharaohs qualified for Russia 2018 with a game to spare, topping Group E ahead of Ghana, Congo and Uganda to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1990.
TAREK ABDEL HAMID/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary, 44, made his international debut over two decades ago. Now he could become<a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedition.cnn.com%2F2017%2F10%2F09%2Ffootball%2Fegypt-world-cup-el-hadary-hector-cuper-congo%2Findex.html"> the oldest player in World Cup tournament history</a>.
Egypt —
Goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary, 44, made his international debut over two decades ago. Now he could become the oldest player in World Cup tournament history.
TAREK ABDEL HAMID/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Dispelling memories of their dismal 7-1 defeat to Germany at the 2014 World Cup, Brazil topped South American qualifying with ease, finishing ahead of the likes of Uruguay, Chile, Colombia and Argentina.
Brazil —
Dispelling memories of their dismal 7-1 defeat to Germany at the 2014 World Cup, Brazil topped South American qualifying with ease, finishing ahead of the likes of Uruguay, Chile, Colombia and Argentina.
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Neymar, Paulinho, Gabriel Jesus, Philippe Coutinho and Willian scored 23 goals between them.
Brazil —
Neymar, Paulinho, Gabriel Jesus, Philippe Coutinho and Willian scored 23 goals between them.
MIGUEL SCHINCARIOL/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Iran became the second team after Brazil to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, topping Group A of Asian qualifying without losing a game.
Iran —
Iran became the second team after Brazil to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, topping Group A of Asian qualifying without losing a game.
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Led by former Portugal and Real Madrid head coach Carlos Queiroz, the Iranians will hope to add to their single World Cup win -- secured against the US at France 1998 -- in Russia next year.
Iran —
Led by former Portugal and Real Madrid head coach Carlos Queiroz, the Iranians will hope to add to their single World Cup win -- secured against the US at France 1998 -- in Russia next year.
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Boasting a 100% record in Group C of European qualifying, Germany could become the first team to retain the World Cup trophy since Brazil in 1962. <br />
Germany —
Boasting a 100% record in Group C of European qualifying, Germany could become the first team to retain the World Cup trophy since Brazil in 1962.
Sebastian Widmann/Bongarts/Bongarts/Getty Images
Topping Group D of European qualifying ahead of the Republic of Ireland, Wales and Austria, Serbia qualified for a first major international tournament since 2010.
Serbia —
Topping Group D of European qualifying ahead of the Republic of Ireland, Wales and Austria, Serbia qualified for a first major international tournament since 2010.
Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
With six goals to his name, striker Aleksander Mitrovic found the back of the net once every 119 minutes.
Serbia —
With six goals to his name, striker Aleksander Mitrovic found the back of the net once every 119 minutes.
Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Poland booked their return to the World Cup after a 12-year absence, topping Group E ahead of the likes of Denmark, Montenegro and Romania.
Poland —
Poland booked their return to the World Cup after a 12-year absence, topping Group E ahead of the likes of Denmark, Montenegro and Romania.
KAREN MINASYAN/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
No player scored more during European qualifying than Robert Lewandowski. The Bayern Munich striker scored 16 times at a rate of once every 56 minutes.
Poland —
No player scored more during European qualifying than Robert Lewandowski. The Bayern Munich striker scored 16 times at a rate of once every 56 minutes.
JANEK SKARZYNSKI/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Undefeated in Group F, Gareth Southgate's England qualified for their sixth World Cup with a game to spare.
England —
Undefeated in Group F, Gareth Southgate's England qualified for their sixth World Cup with a game to spare.
ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Amid the furore of Catalonia's disputed independence referendum, Spain went undefeated and qualified from Group G of European qualifying with a match to spare after beating Albania 3-0.
Spain —
Amid the furore of Catalonia's disputed independence referendum, Spain went undefeated and qualified from Group G of European qualifying with a match to spare after beating Albania 3-0.
Denis Doyle/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Spearheaded by the prolific Romelu Lukaku, Roberto Martinez's Red Devils dropped just two points throughout the entirety of their Group H European qualifying campaign. Belgium averaged 4.3 goals per game, more than any other team in World Cup qualifying.
Belgium —
Spearheaded by the prolific Romelu Lukaku, Roberto Martinez's Red Devils dropped just two points throughout the entirety of their Group H European qualifying campaign. Belgium averaged 4.3 goals per game, more than any other team in World Cup qualifying.
LOUISA GOULIAMAKI/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
With one ferocious sweep of his right foot against Australia, 21-year-old Yosuke Ideguchi booked Japan's place at Russia 2018.
Japan —
With one ferocious sweep of his right foot against Australia, 21-year-old Yosuke Ideguchi booked Japan's place at Russia 2018.
Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Led by the likes of Shinji Kagawa and Keisuke Honda, the Samurai Blue topped Group B by a single point to qualify for a sixth consecutive tournament.
Japan —
Led by the likes of Shinji Kagawa and Keisuke Honda, the Samurai Blue topped Group B by a single point to qualify for a sixth consecutive tournament.
BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The Green Falcons beat Japan in the final round of Asian qualifying to finish second in a tightly contested group and book their place at Russia 2018.
Saudi Arabia —
The Green Falcons beat Japan in the final round of Asian qualifying to finish second in a tightly contested group and book their place at Russia 2018.
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This will be Saudi Arabia's fifth appearance at a World Cup and the first since Germany 2006. <br />
Saudi Arabia —
This will be Saudi Arabia's fifth appearance at a World Cup and the first since Germany 2006.
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Ever present at the World Cup since 1986, the Taeguk Warriors qualified for Russia 2018 courtesy of a second place finish in Group A of Asian qualifying.
South Korea —
Ever present at the World Cup since 1986, the Taeguk Warriors qualified for Russia 2018 courtesy of a second place finish in Group A of Asian qualifying.
Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
A hat-trick from Lionel Messi propelled Argentina into third in the South American qualifying table and an automatic spot. It was Messi's 44th career hat-trick and his fifth for Argentina.
Argentina —
A hat-trick from Lionel Messi propelled Argentina into third in the South American qualifying table and an automatic spot. It was Messi's 44th career hat-trick and his fifth for Argentina.
RODRIGO BUENDIA/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Messi's Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez scored twice in Uruguay's 4-2 win over Bolivia. The win ensured La Celeste finished second in South America qualifying. Suarez missed almost two years of playing competitive football for his country after biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during a group match at the World Cup in Brazil.
Uruguay —
Messi's Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez scored twice in Uruguay's 4-2 win over Bolivia. The win ensured La Celeste finished second in South America qualifying. Suarez missed almost two years of playing competitive football for his country after biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during a group match at the World Cup in Brazil.
MIGUEL ROJO/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Colombia's Juan Cuadrado (C) leads a prayer after his team qualified for the 2018 World Cup following the 1-1 draw with with Peru in Lima. Colombia reached the quarterfinals in the 2014 tournament before losing 2-1 to hosts Brazil.
Colombia —
Colombia's Juan Cuadrado (C) leads a prayer after his team qualified for the 2018 World Cup following the 1-1 draw with with Peru in Lima. Colombia reached the quarterfinals in the 2014 tournament before losing 2-1 to hosts Brazil.
ERNESTO BENAVIDES/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Panama qualified for the World Cup for the first time in their history after a 2-1 win against Costa Rica. Good news for the Panama national team but also the nation's citizens -- they were then given a public holiday by President Juan Carlos Varela.
Panama —
Panama qualified for the World Cup for the first time in their history after a 2-1 win against Costa Rica. Good news for the Panama national team but also the nation's citizens -- they were then given a public holiday by President Juan Carlos Varela.
RODRIGO ARANGUA/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal will also be at the World Cup after the Euro 2016 champions leapfrogged Switzerland to top Group B of European qualifying. Johan Djourou put the ball in his own net to hand the lead to Portugal, before Fernando Santos's men doubled their lead with a 57-minute Andre Silva strike.
Portugal —
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal will also be at the World Cup after the Euro 2016 champions leapfrogged Switzerland to top Group B of European qualifying. Johan Djourou put the ball in his own net to hand the lead to Portugal, before Fernando Santos's men doubled their lead with a 57-minute Andre Silva strike.
Octavio Passos/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Antoine Griezmann scored one goal and set up another for Olivier Giroud as the 1998 champions topped European Group A.
France —
Antoine Griezmann scored one goal and set up another for Olivier Giroud as the 1998 champions topped European Group A.
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Mexico became the first nation from Central American qualifying to reach Russia 2018, only conceding five goals in 15 matches.
Mexico —
Mexico became the first nation from Central American qualifying to reach Russia 2018, only conceding five goals in 15 matches.
YURI CORTEZ/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The Tricolor joined them, qualifying for the upcoming World Cup in dramatic fashion courtesy of a header from Kendall Waston in the fifth minute of added time against Honduras.
Costa Rica —
The Tricolor joined them, qualifying for the upcoming World Cup in dramatic fashion courtesy of a header from Kendall Waston in the fifth minute of added time against Honduras.
EZEQUIEL BECERRA/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Oscar Ramirez's men finished second in CONCACAF qualifying behind Mexico.
Costa Rica —
Oscar Ramirez's men finished second in CONCACAF qualifying behind Mexico.
teletica
A valiant performance from Sweden against Italy in November's playoff ensured the four-time winners <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedition.cnn.com%2F2017%2F11%2F13%2Ffootball%2Fitaly-sweden-world-cup-qualifiers%2Findex.html">failed to qualify for the first time since 1958</a>.
Sweden —
A valiant performance from Sweden against Italy in November's playoff ensured the four-time winners failed to qualify for the first time since 1958.
Marco Luzzani/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Elsewhere, Croatia drew 0-0 in their playoff with Greece but advanced to the finals 4-1 on aggregate.
Croatia —
Elsewhere, Croatia drew 0-0 in their playoff with Greece but advanced to the finals 4-1 on aggregate.
ANGELOS TZORTZINIS/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Switzerland broke Northern Irish hearts by holding on to another goalless draw, advancing 1-0 on aggregate after a controversial penalty in the first leg.
Swizterland —
Switzerland broke Northern Irish hearts by holding on to another goalless draw, advancing 1-0 on aggregate after a controversial penalty in the first leg.
FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Host nation Russia qualified for the 2018 World Cup without even having to kick a ball. The most recent competitive fixtures for Stanislav Cherchesov's men came in the 2017 Confederations Cup, where they crashed out in the group stage.
Russia —
Host nation Russia qualified for the 2018 World Cup without even having to kick a ball. The most recent competitive fixtures for Stanislav Cherchesov's men came in the 2017 Confederations Cup, where they crashed out in the group stage.
FRANCK FIFE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The draw for the 2018 World Cup is set to take place in Moscow's Kremlin building on Friday, December 1. <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedition.cnn.com%2Fsport">Visit CNN.com/sport for more news and features</a>
Russia —
The draw for the 2018 World Cup is set to take place in Moscow's Kremlin building on Friday, December 1. Visit CNN.com/sport for more news and features
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