Last World Cup: Quarter-finals

Best result: Second (1974, 1978, 2010)

FIFA ranking: 7th

Record in qualifying: 6 wins, 0 losses, 2 draws

With three runner-up finishes but no world titles, the Dutch are perennial bridesmaids at this stage. The nearly men also seem to have no luck, having also lost to three eventual champions West Germany (1990), Brazil (1994) and Argentina (2022) in the knockout stage.

But they arrive in North America with a raft of England-based talent and tactical flexibility under Ronald Koeman. In his second stint, he safely navigated them through the qualifiers and managed a 14-match unbeaten run from November 2024 to March 2026.

They should challenge for top spot but their lack of a killer striker – though Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo are useful options – could prove to be their undoing.

Last World Cup: Last 16

Best result: Last 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022)

FIFA ranking: 18th

Record in qualifying: 13 wins, 1 loss, 2 draws

It speaks volumes that the Japanese, who were once cannon fodder at this level, are now considered contenders to top their group.

At the 2022 World Cup, they beat two former champions Germany and Spain in the group stage before squandering a 2-0 lead to lose to Belgium in the last 16.

With precise pressing traps and attackers such as Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo, the Samurai Blue were the first team to qualify for this World Cup outside of the three co-hosts.

They could be Asia’s best hope of springing a surprise, having proven their credentials with impressive 1-0 wins over England and Scotland in March, and another 1-0 victory over Iceland in May. The inclusion of former free-kick ace Shunsuke Nakamura as an assistant coach could also serve as inspir...