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In Pictures: Who’s heading to 2014 World Cup?

AJE tracks the nations who have already qualified for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

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With five titles to their name, Brazil are the most successful nation in World Cup history. However, as 2014 hosts, they don(***)t need to worry about qualifying this time round. Joining them will be another 31 nations. Here are the teams who have made it through so far.
By Joanna Tilley
Published On 16 Oct 2013
Japan became the first nation to qualify for the World Cup as winners of AFC Fourth Round Group B. Their fifth appearance at the finals was solidified after a 1-1 draw with Australia back in June.
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Their Group B rivals Australia did also make it to the finals. However, life for a Socceroo has been anything but pleasant. Coach Holger Osieck has been sacked following a 6-0 defeat to Brazil in a friendly and a poor display at the East Asian Cup.
Supporters of Iran had plenty to cheer when their team joined Brazil(***)s football fiesta as winners of AFC Group A. Iran have only appeared at the World Cup finals three times, in 1978, 1998 and 2006. They have never got past round one.
And joining Iran from Group A is South Korea. The co-hosts of the 2002 World Cup have been improving in the competition, reaching the semis in 2002 and the last 16 in 2010. Here head coach Hong Myung-Bo talks to the media after gaining the position in June 2013.
The future is bright, but is it orange? There have been no problems for the Netherlands who sailed to Brazil after great performances against their Group D rivals. Robin van Persie also became the nation(***)s leading goalscorer after a hat-trick against Hungary on Friday. But are they hungry enough for 2014 glory?
Like Netherlands, Italy topped their European qualifying group to make Brazil 2014. It will be the Azzurri(***)s 14th apperance at the finals but they will be looking to put their woeful 2010 display behind them - when they finished bottom of the group. Here Balotelli meets the Pope.
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With unique sports all of their own, the United States are not a nation known for their football, or soccer. Although in the modern era they usually make the World Cup finals. This time round they did it in style as winners of CONCACAF Fourth Round. Go Team U.S.A!
He has every reason to be proud. After failing to make the 2010 finals in South Africa, Jorge Luis Pinto has ensured Costa Rica a place in the 32 teams that travel to Brazil. And his team won(***)t be travelling quite as far as many other nations. It will take a few hours though.
The World Cup wouldn(***)t be the World Cup without Argentina. So fortunately Argentina are going to the World Cup, so it will be the World Cup! And all eyes will be on Lionel Messi, arguably the world(***)s top footballer. It is the nation(***)s 16th appearance and they have won the title twice.
Along with Brazil and Argentina, Colombia join the South American posse. And while Brazil has Neymar, Argentina has Messi, Colombia can boast Radamel Falcao. A player who can turn the fortunes of any team. Colombians will just have to step over their border to enter World Cup territory.
One of the fancied outsiders for the title will be Belgium. Their up and coming stars are making quite a name for themselves in the English Premier League. Here Man United(***)s new acquisition Marouane Fellaini (L) plays ball with Chelsea(***)s Romelu Lukaku, who is currently on loan with Everton. But these are just two of a very talented bunch.
And it(***)s thumbs up for these guys too. Sticking with Europe but moving slightly south, Group E winners Switzerland have also qualified for Brazil 2014. Here striker Xherdan Shaqiri celebrates after a 1-0 victory against Cyprus during qualifying.
After finishing third in 2010, there(***)s little doubt Germany headcoach Joachim Loew will be aiming to win in 2014. There are now seven other teams who will join Germany including reigning champs Spain, England, Chile and Russia.