A review of the latest tranche of World Cup ties including a place in the next round for four more European sides, two from Asia, one from Central America, and a pair from Africa.

The last time I produced a round-up of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, I announced that six teams had qualified.

Now we have 15.

The reigning champions, Germany, will be in the Ushanka after they beat their nearest rivals Northern Ireland by three goals to one in Belfast. It seems unthinkable that we could have a World Cup without a defending champion. But we are stuck with the 2006 rule.