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23. Mexico
Consistent success at youth level means Mexico should be much stronger – but a run of two victories in 10 qualification matches was nearly fatal. Miguel Herrera, Mexico's fourth coach of 2013 and effectively on loan from Club América, picked a domestic-based squad for the comprehensive play-off victory over New Zealand, but it remains a shambolic situation. MC
24. Ecuador
The death of Chucho Benítez continues to reverberate, and Ecuador showed remarkable mental strength to complete their qualification despite their shock and grief. Antonio Valencia captains from the right side of midfield, while Felipe Caicedo, now at Lokomotiv Moscow, is a rather better forward than he showed at Manchester City. JW
25. Cameroon
If Samuel Eto'o's improvement continues, if Volker Finke really has instilled a togetherness and tactical shape, if there are no disputes over money or bonuses, then perhaps Cameroon could startle the world. But those are three big ifs, and nothing in the history of the last decade suggests all three will be answered positively come June. JW
26. Greece
We've been here before – Greece finished second place in their qualification group after 2-1, 2-0, 1-0, 1-0, 1-0, 1-0, 1-0 and 2-0 victories, although they failed to beat Bosnia, suggesting they'll struggle against genuinely top-class sides. The weakest of the European contingent, Greece are unlikely to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their Euro 2004 triumph in style. MC
27. Australia
There are fewer star names than in previous years, and Australia's world ranking of 57 is somewhat underwhelming considering they were 14th four years ago. But Ange Postecoglou has more authority than Pim Verbeek, having enjoyed great success with Brisbane Roar. MC
28. South Korea
Now coached by legendary former sweeper Hong Myung-bo, who won the Bronze Ball in 2002, South Korea are playing good technical football in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The star man is Bayer Leverkusen's talented attacking midfielder Son Heung-min but it's taken a while for Hong to understand he must build the side around him. MC
29. Costa Rica
Costa Rica may bring some tactical variety to the tournament – Jorge Luis Pinto has played a 5-4-1 formation, which makes Los Ticos difficult to break down. There are decent attacking weapons – with captain Bryan Ruiz joining pacey duo Joel Campbell and Christian Bolaños on the break – but this side lack goals. MC
30. Iran
Iran's manager is more famous than any of their players – Carlos Queiroz had a disappointing experience with Portugal in 2010 but is a fine defensive organiser, and it's no surprise Iran conceded just seven goals in 14 qualification matches. The former Osasuna midfielder Javad Nekounam, the captain, is the star man. MC
31. Honduras
A simple, unspectacular side likely to play in a 4-4-1-1 formation, Honduras have a decent spine featuring some reliable partnerships, while Jerry Bengtson has been banging in the goals throughout qualifying. They also have the benefit of a coach with World Cup experience – Luis Fernando Suárez led Ecuador to the second round in 2006, before losing to England. MC
32. Algeria
After years of playing solid, unadventurous football, Algeria have revealed a more progressive approach under Vahid Halilhodzic, although as the final stage of their play-off victory over Burkina Faso revealed, they remain masters of time-wasting and gamesmanship. Majid Bougherra, tough, committed and occasionally reckless, is a key figure not only as a central defender but as a leader. JW
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