World Cup qualifying: group scenarios

Group 1
- This group has the most high profile battle out of all the World Cup qualifiers. Due to Denmark's domination either Sweden or Portugal will take a play-off position, meaning that either Cristiano Ronaldo or Zlatan Ibrahimovic, two of the most expensive players in history, will definitely miss out on the World Cup. At present Portugal are ahead and a win against Malta on Wednesday will see them progress. However Sweden look certain to beat Albania on Wednesday, so anything less than a win for Portugal and they could fall into third.

Group 2
- Group 2 is one of two European groups which no one has yet won. Switzerland are currently leading and the only way they can be caught is by Greece on goal difference. The biggest game in this group is between Switzerland and Israel because if Israel win then it opens the door for Greece to take 1st place if they beat Luxembourg, but if Greece lose and Israel win then Israel finish second and Greece third.

Group 3
- In the other group that has not yet been won, the Czech Republic have been very disappointing. The Czechs were expected to win the group comfortably given the skilled experienced squad. However they currently find themselves third and are relying on San Marino beating Slovenia, which would be a colossal upset, to have any chance. At the top of the group a win for Slovakia against Poland would guarantee them 1st.

Group 6
- Although England have walked to victory in this group, despite their stumble in Ukraine, second place is still open. Ukraine currently sit second, a point ahead of Croatia, after their win over England and should win against Andorra to finish second. Due to their goal difference Croatia will most likely still finish 3rd if they draw and Ukraine lose meaning that they will probably need to win and hope Ukraine suffer defeat in order to finish 2nd.

South America- Argentina's poor run in qualifying has been closely followed. After Martin Palermo's last gasp winner against Peru, Maradona's men sit 4th in the group a point clear of Uruguay. Wednesday's game in Uruguay will decide whether they qualify automatically or go into the play-offs. Above them, Brazil have finished top followed by Paraguay and then Chile.

Following the Wednesday's games the draw for the European play-off matches will be made on Monday the 19th October. The teams will be seeded on the 16th of October to make sure the top four teams don't meet each other in the play-offs.

In the South American group the team that finishes 5th will play against the 4th placed team in the North, Central America and Caribbean group.