Over two and a half years, almost 800 matches and precisely 2,177 goals after the qualifiers began, several nations have the chance to secure a place in football's most prestigious competition in a new round of qualifying fixtures.
Hosts Russia are already guaranteed to be joined by Brazil, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Belgium and Mexico. Back-to-back fixtures this week and the following make up for a nail-biting finale to the process of qualification.
Some teams can secure a spot in December's draw in the Kremlin with their next match while others will have to wait for the deciding final clash. Here are the teams who could celebrate this week.
France
Deschamps' side require a victory in Bulgaria and for Sweden to lose in Solna to Luxemburg.
Switzerland
They will be guaranteed top spot if they beat Hungary on Saturday and Portugal fail to win in Andorra.
Germany
Given their 100 per cent record, a point will suffice against Northern Ireland on Thursday.
Serbia
They will qualify on Friday if they defeat Austria and both Wales and the Republic of Ireland fail to win.
Poland
They need to win and for Denmark to draw in Montenegro if they want to clinch the group.
England
The three Lions will qualify if they win, or if they draw and Slovakia do not win.
Spain
They face Albania and will qualify if they better Italy’s result against Macedonia in Turin.
Uruguay
A victory against either of the bottom two, Venezuela (away) or Bolivia (home), will see them through given their superior goal difference.
Tunisia
The Group A leaders could guarantee a place in Russia by beating Guinea in Conakry on Saturday.
Nigeria
Nigeria can become the first African nation to qualify with a victory at home over second-placed Zambia.
Egypt
If they eliminate Congo on Sunday, a draw between Uganda and Ghana will see the Pharaohs through to the finals for the first time since 1990.