The World Cup play-offs explained

23 teams have already booked their place at next summer's tournament with Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Iceland, Iran, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Korea, Spain, and Uruguay all set to be in attendance in Russia.

What is the format of the play-offs?

The play-offs are played over two legs, one game at home and one game away, with away goals coming into effect if the scores are level after both legs.

Should away goals be unable to separate the sides extra time and penalties will come into effect, with away goals also counting during extra time.

European fixtures:

First legs:

Thursday 9 November: Croatia v Greece (7.45pm)

Thursday 9 November: Northern Ireland v Switzerland (7.45pm)

Friday 10 November: Sweden v Italy (7.45pm)

Saturday 11 November: Denmark v Republic of Ireland (7.45pm)

Second legs:

Sunday 12 November: Switzerland v Northern Ireland (5pm)

Sunday 12 November: Greece v Croatia (7.45pm)

Monday 13 November: Italy v Sweden (7.45pm)

Tuesday 14 November: Republic of Ireland v Denmark (7.45pm)

Asia/Concacaf:

The first of the two intercontinental play-offs sees Australia from the Asian section face Honduras, who finished fourth in the North American, Central American and Caribbean section.

First leg:

Friday 10 November: Honduras v Australia (10pm)

Second leg:

Wednesday 15 November: Australia v Honduras (9am)

Oceania/South America

New Zealand and Peru face off in the other intercontinental play-off. The Kiwi's are the only side from Oceania with a chance of making the tournament whilst Peru will take the number of South American teams at next summer's World Cup to five should they progress.

First leg:

Saturday 11 November: New Zealand v Peru (3.15am)

Second leg:

Thursday 16 November: Peru v New Zealand (2.15am)

All times provided are in GMT.

The Eagle-eyed amongst you will have noted that only six of the nine remaining places set to be decided by the play-offs, with one round of fixtures still to be played in the African qualifying section that will decide the final three participants next summer.