Optimism is not high for Mauricio Pochettino’s co-hosts, who are under pressure to justify fans’ considerable outlay on tickets

Doubts over formation and form of key players means hopes of advancing to knockout stages are not high

Jesse Marsch has developed an in-form team that has lifted the co-hosts’ hopes, though the fitness of Alphonso Davies and Moïse Bombito is a concern

Unimpressive in qualification and with preparation disrupted, at least the squad will not be burdened with the pressure of hosting this time

After dramatic qualification, an experienced squad could progress beyond the group stage if they beat Haiti in their opening game

Former Spurs, PSG and Chelsea manager in spotlight as co-hosts look to shine on home turf

The manager Sébastien Migné has never set foot in the country, but there will be pride, passion and no little ability from the Caribbean nation

Optimism is not high for Mauricio Pochettino’s co-hosts, who are under pressure to justify fans’ considerable outlay on tickets

After a public holiday was declared to celebrate World Cup qualification, expect a physical Paraguay side well prepared for intense conditions

Tony Popovic has brought discipline and structure as the Socceroos target their first knockout win in a World Cup