The hosts had already been joined by Asian representatives Japan, Australia, Iran and South Korea, as well as Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Belgium and Switzerland (all Uefa), Argentina and Colombia(both Conmebol), and Costa Rica and USA (both Concacaf). But now, even more teams from Europe and South America have wrapped up qualification.
Spain booked their ticket for next summer's tournament following a 2-0 win over Georgia, as Alvaro Negredo and Juan Mata found the net to help Vicente del Bosque's men secure top spot in Group I.
Elsewhere, England proved to be too strong for Poland to wrap up qualification, with Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard scoring the goals that helped the Three Lions to a 2-0 win at Wembley.
Russia recorded a 1-1 away draw against Azerbaijan to finish top of their section ahead of Portugal, whileBosnia-Herzegovina beat Lithuania 1-0 to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in history, with Vedad Ibisevic having achieved instant national hero status thanks to his crucial goal.
In South America, meanwhile, Chile secured third spot in the table - and thus a ticket at the World Cup - by beating Ecuador 2-1, with the losers sealing qualification as well after finishing ahead of Uruguay on goal difference.
