The group stage of World Cup qualifying is over, with teams beginning to book their flights to Canada, Mexico and the United States for next summer’s tournament.

There have been some surprise packages along the way, with a number of sides making history in qualifying for the World Cup either for a maiden time or the first time in decades.

It is sure to be an enthralling occasion in North America next year, with Argentina the defending champions after their penalty shootout heroics in the 2022 final against France.

The draw for next year’s tournament will take place on Friday, November 5, in Washington, DC. The play-off draw will happen on Thursday, November 20.

Europe will - naturally - have a large contingent, making up 16 of the 48 nations that will compete for the sport’s bigge

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