In Pictures: The road to the World Cup

Qualification for the 2018 World Cup began on March 12, 2015 and the 32 berths are filling up. Following Tuesday's (Oct 10) matches, 23 nations have booked their place to join hosts Russia in football's showpiece tournament

Panama player Anibal Godoy celebrating after Panama qualifes for the World Cup for the first time following their qualifier against Costa Rica in Panama City.
Panama player Anibal Godoy celebrating after Panama qualifes for the World Cup for the first time following their qualifier against Costa Rica in Panama City. PHOTO: AFP
Colombia midfielder Juan Cuadrado (centre) leading a prayer after his team qualified for the World Cup following a 1-1 draw with Peru in Lima.
Colombia midfielder Juan Cuadrado (centre) leading a prayer after his team qualified for the World Cup following a 1-1 draw with Peru in Lima.PHOTO: AFP
Argentina star Lionel Messi (centre) celebrating after his hat-trick helped defeat Ecuador 3-1 in Quito to earn his country qualification to the World Cup.
Argentina star Lionel Messi (centre) celebrating after his hat-trick helped defeat Ecuador 3-1 in Quito to earn his country qualification to the World Cup.PHOTO: AFP
Uruguay's Luis Suarez celebrating after scoring his second goal against Bolivia during their World Cup qualifier match in Montevideo. Uruguay won 4-2.
Uruguay's Luis Suarez celebrating after scoring his second goal against Bolivia during their World Cup qualifier match in Montevideo. Uruguay won 4-2.PHOTO: AFP
Brazil players celebrating their opening goal against Chile. They won 3-0, ending the South American champions bid to qualify for Russia.
Brazil players celebrating their opening goal against Chile. They won 3-0, ending the South American champions bid to qualify for Russia. PHOTO: REUTERS
American pop star Madonna and her son David Banda attending the match between Portugal and Switzerland at the Luz Stadium in Lisbon.
American pop star Madonna and her son David Banda attending the match between Portugal and Switzerland at the Luz Stadium in Lisbon.PHOTO: AFP
France forward Antoine Griezmann shooting and scoring during the qualifier between France and Belarus at the Stade de France in Paris. The hosts won 2-1 to seal their berth in Russia.
France forward Antoine Griezmann shooting and scoring during the qualifier between France and Belarus at the Stade de France in Paris. The hosts won 2-1 to seal their berth in Russia.PHOTO: AFP
Belgium forward Eden Hazard (right) celebrating his opener against Cyprus with Nacer Chadli. They won 4-0.
Belgium forward Eden Hazard (right) celebrating his opener against Cyprus with Nacer Chadli. They won 4-0. PHOTO: REUTERS
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi honouring his country's footballers after their 2-1 win over Congo secured a World Cup spot. Egypt last qualified for the football's biggest tournament in 1990.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi honouring his country's footballers after their 2-1 win over Congo secured a World Cup spot. Egypt last qualified for the football's biggest tournament in 1990.PHOTO: AFP
Published
Oct 11, 2017, 2:40 pm SGT
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