Monday 9 October 2017 22:22, UK
With the final round of World Cup qualification fixtures upon us, we take a look at the state of play in Europe...
So far, England, Germany, Belgium, Spain and Poland have clinched their place alongside hosts Russia next year, while four more teams will join them by October 10.
We then move to a play-off stage, where the eight best second-place teams will be drawn into four pairings - meaning the nation with the least points will miss out. As it stands, that is currently Croatia - though they can leapfrog Slovakia with victory over Ukraine.
The two-legged play-off ties are set for November 9-11 and 12-14 and the four winners from these ties then advance to Russia. As the action prepares to resume at the business end of qualification - with a host of key games live on Sky Sports - here's who needs what...
France edged past Bulgaria 1-0 on Saturday to remain in pole position, though Sweden kept the pressure on with a 8-0 thumping of Luxembourg.
Bulgaria are now out of contention, while the Netherlands must overturn a huge goal difference against Sweden in the final game to steal second.
France simply need to beat Belarus at home on Tuesday to confirm top spot and a place in Russia.
Switzerland and Portugal have the top two spots sewn up, and it's all eyes on their clash at the Estadio da Luz on Tuesday.
Switzerland currently hold a three-point lead but Portugal's vastly superior goal difference means it is essentially winner takes all, though a draw would also see the Swiss through.
Whoever misses out on top spot is guaranteed a place in the play-offs.
Germany have qualified with a perfect 30 points, while Northern Ireland have booked their place in the play-offs.
Northern Ireland are among the non-seeded teams for the play-off draw as it stands, but all will become clearer when October's FIFA rankings are published.
Serbia lost at Austria on Friday night but they will be expected to beat Georgia at home on Monday to seal top spot.
That would leave Wales and Republic of Ireland in a straight shootout for second - and the two go head to head in Cardiff, knowing that victory will confirm second and potentially first if Serbia slip-up.
It's advantage Wales as they are currently one point ahead of Ireland, meaning Chris Coleman's side can afford to draw the tie at Cardiff City Stadium - though that could hinder their chances of reaching the play-offs due to the worst runner-up missing out.
Poland won their final game against Montenegro to guarantee automatic qualification for Russia.
Denmark's 1-1 draw at home to Romania was enough to secure their place in the play-offs.
England have qualified as group winners, while Scotland hearts were broken as they were pipped to second by Slovakia.
Scotland could only draw 2-2 with Slovenia to finish behind Slovakia (beat Malta 3-0) on goal difference.
However, Slovakia's tally of 12pts as far as the play-off table is concerned means they could still finish as the worst-placed runner-up.
Matters in Group G were settled with a game to spare. Spain booked their spot in Russia with a 3-0 win over Albania, though their qualification was only confirmed thanks to Italy slipping up with a 1-1 draw at home to Macedonia.
It means Italy must settle for a spot in the play-offs, which are set to take place in Novemeber.
Belgium have already qualified, leaving Bosnia and Greece fighting for second.
Greece need to beat Gibraltar to guarantee second place and with it a play-off spot. Any slip-up could allow Bosnia to snatch second off them if they win away to Estonia.
Last but certainly not least. Group I is set for a tantalising showdown on Monday, with Iceland in pole position to reach the World Cup finals for the first time ever.
Iceland lead the way on 19 points after beating Turkey 3-0 in Istanbul. Croatia conceded late to draw 1-1 with Finland, and that leaves them on 17 points alongside Ukraine, who won 2-0 at Kosovo.
Croatia play Ukraine in a showdown which could decide who takes the play-offs, as Iceland will be expected to brush aside Kosovo at home to finish top.
After the group stage, eight of the nine second-place nations will move into the play-off as the team with the lowest number of points misses out.
As you can see, that is presently Croatia, but a victory for them and Wales would see the duo leapfrog Slovakia...
