ENGLAND (FIFA RANKING: 5TH)
Gareth Southgate is under pressure after keeping faith with walking wounded Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips and the out of touch Harry Maguire
COACH
Gareth Southgate, 52, was appointed in 2016, as he led England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and a runners-up finish at Euro 2020. However, England's penalty shoot-out defeat against Italy in the Euro final triggered criticism of Southgate's cautious tactics that continues to haunt the coach.
Harry Kane is three goals short of becoming England's all-time highest scorer
KEY PLAYER
Harry Kane could become England's all-time leading scorer at the World Cup after reaching 51 goals - just two behind record holder Wayne Rooney. The Tottenham Hotspur star's predatory instincts make him one of the world's top strikers. Keeping him fit and firing will be Southgate's top priority.
Best World Cup performance: Winners in 1966
How they qualified: England finished first in European qualifying Group I
GROUP FIXTURES
Nov 21: v Iran
Nov 25: v USA
Nov 29: v Wales
SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders: Harry Maguire, John Stones, Kyle Walker, Luke Shaw, Kieran Trippier , Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eric Dier, Conor Coady, Ben White
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, James Maddison, Conor Gallagher
Forwards: Harry Kane, Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling , Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish, Callum Wilson
IRAN (FIFA RANKING: 20TH)
COACH
Carlos Queiroz also guided Iran at the 2014 and 2018 World Cup finals, where they finished last and 3rd respectively
It will be fourth consecutive appearance at a World Cup as a coach for Carlos Queiroz, who led the Asian giants to the 2014 and 2018 World Cups. After coming last in their group in Brazil and then third in Russia, he will have realistic hopes of reaching the second round this time.
KEY PLAYER
Sardar Azmoun is known as the Messi of Iran
The passion of Bayer Leverkusen forward Sardar Azmoun for goals is matched only by his love of horses. Often called the Messi of Iran, he averages two goals from every three appearances for the national team. He is renowned for his acceleration, innovation and aerial power.
Best World Cup performance: First round in five previous appearances
How they qualified: Topped Asian Group A in third round
GROUP FIXTURES
Nov 21: v England
Nov 25: v Wales
Nov 29: v USA
Goalkeepers: Alireza Beyranvand, Amir Abedzadeh, Payam Niazmand, Hossein Hosseini
Defenders: Majid Hosseini, Mohammad Hossein Kanaanizadegan, Shojae Khalilzadeh, Morteza Pouraliganji, Sadegh Moharrami, Ramin Rezaeian, Milad Mohammadi, Abolfazl Jalali
Midfielders: Saeid Ezatollahi, Ehsan Hajsafi, Rouzbeh Cheshmi, Ahmad Nourollahi, Ali Karimi, Saman Ghoddos, Vahid Amiri
Forwards: Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Ali Gholizadeh, Mehdi Taremi, Mehdi Torabi, Karim Ansarifard, Sardar Azmoun
USA (FIFA RANKING: 16TH)
COACH
Gregg Berhalter was appointed as USA coach in 2018 after the Americans failed to qualify for the World Cup finalsGregg Berhalter, 49, was appointed head coach in 2018 after the USA's failure to qualify for the Russia World Cup. A former USA international defender, Berhalter was a member of the squad who reached the quarter-finals of the 2002 World Cup and was also an unused squad member at the 2006 World Cup.
KEY PLAYER
'Captain America' Christian Pulisic's goals will be crucial if the USA are to progress further in the World Cup The 24-year-old Chelsea star Christian Pulisic has consistently been the Americans' most important player in recent years, one of the few individuals capable of producing game-changing moments on the biggest stage. The man is known as "Captain America".
Best World Cup performance: Third place in 1930
How they qualified: The USA finished third in the Concacaf zone final qualifying standings, behind Canada and Mexico
GROUP FIXTURES
Nov 21: v Wales
Nov 25: v England
Nov 29: v Iran
SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Ethan Horvath, Matt Turner, Sean Johnson
Defenders: Joe Scally, Sergino Dest, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Aaron Long, Walker Zimmerman, Shaq Moore, DeAndre Yedlin, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson
Midfielders: Cristian Roldan, Kellyn Acosta, Luca de la Torre, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Brenden Aaronson
Forwards: Jordan Morris, Jesus Ferreira, Christian Pulisic, Josh Sargent, Giovanni Reyna, Timothy Weah, Haji Wright
WALES (FIFA RANKING: 19TH)
COACH
Rob Page was rewarded with a new deal till 2026 after guiding the Welsh to their 1st World Cup in 64 yearsRob Page, 48, was promoted to the role as national team boss due to Ryan Giggs' suspension and then resignation. He has proved an inspired leader, leading Wales out of their group at Euro 2020 and to a first World Cup in 64 years. He was rewarded with a new contract till the next World Cup in 2026.
KEY PLAYER
Irrespective of his club form, Gareth Bale is more often than not at his best for his beloved WalesGareth Bale has the crowning glory he craved on an impressive CV for club and country by finally making it to the World Cup. Bale remains the talisman for his nation. At 33, there are rumors the former Real Madrid forward may bow out from international football after the tournament.
Best World Cup performance: Quarter-finals in 1958
How they qualified: Beat Ukraine 1-0 in playoff final
GROUP FIXTURES
Nov 21: v USA
Nov 25: v Iran
Nov 29: v England
SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey, Danny Ward, Adam Davies
Defenders: Ben Davies, Ben Cabango, Tom Lockyer, Joe Rodon, Chris Mepham, Ethan Ampadu, Chris Gunter, Neco Williams, Connor Roberts
Midfielders: Sorba Thomas, Joe Allen, Matthew Smith, Dylan Levitt, Harry Wilson, Joe Morrell, Jonny Williams, Aaron Ramsey, Rubin Colwill
Forwards: Gareth Bale, Kieffer Moore, Mark Harris, Brennan Johnson, Dan James