The largest and tiniest population

Brazil fans coat the Copacabana in Rio during the 2014 World Cup

With Neymar, Roberto Firmino and Neymar, Brazil have strength in attack - and as a nation of 207.7 million people, the fifth-highest population on Earth, they also have strength in numbers.

The population of Iceland, by staggering contrast, is just 334,252. When they tackle Argentina on 16 June, they will become the least-populated nation ever to contest a World Cup match.

Biggest and smallest country

Belgium add up to far more than the sum of their parts

A bit of a non-contest, this one. Russia is spread over 17,098,246 km². Australia ranks in a close third behind Brazil.

On the other hand, with a bit of squidging into shape, Belgium - the smallest competing nation by area at just 30,528 km² - would fit into Australia a frankly ludicrous 252 times.

Most widespread and locally-based squads

Iceland’s players are scattered all across Europe

With only defender Biker Mar Saevarsson playing club football in at home, Iceland’s squad is compiled of players plying their trade in 14 different nations.

That said, they’re all in Europe. The players of Egypt and Argentina are spread over four different continents, which is more than any other nation.

England are the only one of the 32 nations without a single player operating abroad. What's more, 16 players (70% of their squad) are based in London and Manchester.

With top talents Jadon Sancho and Chris Willock two of a growing number of Young Lions taking a chance abroad, however, the signals are that this won’t be the case in future tournaments.