Which six teams have qualified for the World Cup - and who are their stars?

Germany are the defending world champions, having beaten Argentina 1-0 in the 2014 final
World Cup qualifying is in full swing, and five countries have already booked their places alongside hosts Russia at next summer's tournament.

Five-time winners Brazil are there, as are Roberto Martinez's Belgium, the impenetrable Iran, plus Mexico and Japan.

So how did they get there? Who will be their star performers? And who are the coaches who masterminded their qualification?

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BBC Sport finds out.

EUROPE
Russia
Prospects: Stanislav Cherchesov's side failed to make it out of their group at the Confederations Cup, losing to both Mexico and Portugal after an opening win over New Zealand, and their performance on home turf will be heavily scrutinised. South Africa are the only World Cup hosts to have failed to make it past the first stage.

Pedigree: Cherchesov's side will be the fourth Russia team to play at a World Cup - they first appeared at USA '94 - though the Soviet Union had finished fourth in 1966.

Spotlight on the hosts
All of Russia's 2017 Confederations Cup squad played their club football in their homeland
Key player: Veteran goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev has won more than 100 caps and his experience could be vital. The 31-year-old, who has spent his entire career at CSKA Moscow, is likely to captain the hosts.

Premier League players: None.

Who's the boss? Cherchesov rallied behind his side after the Confederations Cup, saying his players would "mature" because of the experience. A former Soviet Union and Russia goalkeeper, he has been given the target of reaching the semi-finals next summer.

Belgium
Prospects: Belgium became the first European side to join hosts Russia in the finals as they navigated a potentially tricky qualifying group containing Bosnia-Herzegovina and Greece with two games to spare.

Premier League fans will be familiar with a Belgium squad including players such as Moussa Dembele, Marouane Fellaini, Christian Benteke, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin de Bruyne and Eden Hazard.

Packed with individual talent but yet to really realise their potential on the international stage, 2018 could be the year a Belgium side boasting world-class performers in almost every position finally comes of age.

Pedigree: Having failed to qualify for the previous two tournaments, Belgium reached the quarter-finals at Brazil 2014, losing to eventual runners-up Argentina. The Red Devils' best finish was fourth in 1986.

Eden Hazard made his Belgium debut as a 17-year-old in 2008
Key player: Eden Hazard. The twinkle-toed Chelsea forward unlocks defences with his rapid change of pace, close control and eye for a pass. He also wears the captain's armband for Roberto Martinez's side.

Premier League players: Michy Batshuayi, Thibaut Courtois, Eden Hazard (all Chelsea), Simon Mignolet (Liverpool), Toby Alderweireld, Moussa Dembele, Jan Vertonghen, (all Tottenham), Kevin de Bruyne, Vincent Kompany (both Manchester City), Marouane Fellaini, Romelu Lukaku (both Manchester United), Steven Defour (Burnley), Nacer Chadli (West Brom), Kevin Mirallas (Everton), Christian Benteke (Crystal Palace), Divock Origi (Wolfsburg, on loan from Liverpool), Christian Kabasele (Watford).

Who's the boss? Roberto Martinez's greatest achievement in English football was guiding Wigan to FA Cup success in 2013, though they were relegated three days later.

The former Swansea and Everton manager's attacking prowess has never been in question, but there were concerns over his defensive aptitude at club level. That shouldn't be a problem with this Belgium outfit, who have the likes of Tottenham defenders Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld, and Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany in their ranks.

SOUTH AMERICA
Brazil
Prospects: Brazil became the first side to qualify, booking their place in Russia back in March. Always ranked among the favourites, the five-time winners look back to their world-beating best under new coach Tite.

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