The favorites, but FIFA ranking 2, and record five time winners (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002). Heading to South Africa as the Copa America and FIFA Confederations Cup holders as well as the top-ranked in South American qualifying. With Dunga's as manager look for goalkeeper Julio Cesar, Kaka, Maicon, Robinho and Luis Fabiano.

Winners of Euro 2008 Spain reached the top of the FIFA World Rankings for the first time, the first team never to have won a World Cup to achieve this. The Spanish were absolutely flawless in reaching South Africa, winning all ten of their qualifying matches. And having never lost to any of their three group rivals, Vicente del Bosque’s men have every reason to be confident about their hopes of progressing.

Confidence is high after an impressive qualifying campaign from Fabio Capello's side who finished as top scorers in the European Zone winning nine of ten matches. England will expect to win this group and prosper. Look out for Wayne Rooney. Winners in 1966 - about time they delivered!

“We have a mission: to be champions of the world,” assistant coach Frank de Boer told FIFA.com. Eight games, eight wins was the tally achieved by Bert van Marwijk’s troops in Group 9 of the European Zone, having yet to drop a point in a competitive match. Reached two consecutive World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978, but lost both finals to their respective host nations, West Germany and Argentina.

Joachim Low's team are not top seeds for nothing. An effortless march to the last UEFA European Championship final in 2008, expect another show of class from the seven-time FIFA World Cup finalists and three-time winners. Look for Miroslav Klose and Michael Ballack.

Winners in 1978 and 1986. Despite their inconsistent showing in South American qualifying, the potential of Diego Maradona's squad remains vast given the plethora of world-class talents at his disposal.

The reigning champions and four time winners in 1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006. Look out for stalwarts such as keeper Gianluigi Buffon and veteran centre-back Fabio Cannavaro, as well as Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso in midfield and Alberto Gilardino in attack. Hoping to win consecutive world crowns for the second time in their history.

Carlos Queiroz's side may have only scraped through to the finals via a play-off victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina, but the Africa-born coach has copious talent at his disposal. Much of it will come from Cristiano Ronaldo, a player capable of swinging any match. Also watch for Pepe, Deco and Liedson.

Nicknamed Lions Indomptables (Indomitable Lions). Played more games and won more points than any other African side at a World Cup finals. Le Guen looks to have all the right tools to do that proud tradition justice, with deadly marksman Eto'o the focal point of a team also featuring the likes of Jean II Makoun, Achille Emana and Alexandre Song.

Opening the tournament against the hosts will not be easy, but a budding crop of youngsters such as Giovani dos Santos and Carlos Vela may help the team progress.

Under the tutelage of Argentinian coach Marcelo Bielsa, the Chileans were the revelation of the ever-demanding South American qualification group, finishing second overall, just a point behind Brazil, and well clear of the continent’s other superpower, Argentina. Humberto Chupete Suazo ended the competition as top scorer and is now aiming to impress the rest of the world with his finishing skills. Hosts of the 1962 finals.

Coach Milovan Rajevac's Black Stars easily navigated the final round of African qualification, losing a goal and a game only after the job was done. The midfield trio of Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari and Stephen Appiah could make them a match for anyone. They reached the second round of the 2006 Germany World Cup.

Winners in 1998. They struggled to get past Ireland in the play-off, with only William Gallas’s extra-time goal avoiding penalties or worse. However, nobody will underestimate a side that has veteran, emerging and world-class talent through the spine of the team.

Contesting their sixth successive finals they will fancy their chances of advancing from the group stage. At the Confederations Cup in 2009 they beat Spain in the semi-final and led Brazil 2-0 in the final before succumbing 3-2. Look for Landon Donovan for attacking inspiration. Beat England 1-0 in 1950 World Cup in what is widely considered one of the greatest upsets in football history. Can they do it again?

Put in their best-ever qualifying performance to secure a fourth consecutive finalsl. The mainstays of Gerardo Martino's side are forwards Salvador Cabanas, Nelson Valdez and Roque Santa Cruz and goalkeeper Justo Villar.

Coach Shaibu Amodu can call on a balanced squad made up of experienced performers and up-and-coming starlets. The Super Eagles will feel confident of competing for a last-16 berth, the furthest they have gone at a finals to date.