1. Age matters

Spanish goalkeeper, Pepe Reina will be the oldest player in the team at 38 years of age when the tournament kicks off. While the youngest is wonder kid and teammate, Marco Asensio who will be travelling to his first World Cup at the age of 22.

Marco Asensio in action against Germany

2. Drought ends

Morocco ended a 20-year delay for another World Cup appearance. The Atlas Lions have played in only four World Cups, but they did make history by becoming the first African side to win a group at a tournament and the first to make it to the second round.

3. Record breakers

The 2010 champions, Spain, have a record of 35 undefeated games in international football, equal with Brazil.

4. Batta times ahead?

Portugal failed to qualify for the 1998 World Cup after a 1-1 draw against Germany and a controversial decision where Rui Costa was sent off by French referee, Marc Batta.

Cristiano Ronaldo lifts the Champions League trophy...can he lift another in Russia?

5. Legacy chasers

The Euro 2016 was the first major championship title for the Portuguese national team. Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo fans alike would be hoping for a World Cup win to back this up, and to also put Ronaldo’s legacy beyond Lionel Messi.

6. World Cup chokers?

Iran is one of the most successful footballing nations in Asia with three Asian Cup wins (1968, 1972 and 1976). They have also qualified for the World Cup five times but have never advanced past the group stage.

Iranian fans celebrate the win at Gerland Stadium in Lyon, France, 1998

7. Highlight

Iran’s best World Cup moment was a 2-1 win over the United States in the 1998 group stages.

8. Past hits

After two 0-0 draws with Poland and England in the 1986 group stages, Morocco’s 3-1 victory over Portugal was their first ever win at the finals and it booked them a spot in the last 16.

Morocco coach Herve Renard (R) speaks to player Noureddine Amrabat during a World Cup qualifying match last year

9. Strike ace

The great Eusebio of Portugal lit up the 1966 World Cup, scoring nine goals to finish as top scorer, netting in all but one match.

10. All or nothing

Spain have not drawn any of their last 14 World Cup matches, winning 10 and losing four.