Pots announced

Pot 1: South Africa, Brazil, Spain, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Argentina, England

Pot 2: Japan, South Korea, North Korea, Australia, New Zealand, United States, Mexico, Honduras

Pot 3: Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, Algeria, Paraguay, Chile, Uruguay

Pot 4: France, Portugal, Slovenia, Switzerland, Greece, Serbia, Denmark, Slovakia

Big talking points are France's and Portugal's placement in Pot 4. Especially France as the 1998 winners and 2006 runners-up. But the qualifying process was taken in account concerning that, and as we all now, both struggled there.

South Africa are in Pot 1 with all the big names as the host nation is always placed there. This will mean South Africa will also avoid other African teams in the group stage. There's actually a big part played by geography as no two teams from the same confederation will be drawn in the same group. Only exception being Europe, as they're the one with the most teams involved (13).

Some really mouthwatering prospects there. USA is no doubt feared from the Pot 2, while Algeria is the only weaker side from Pot 3. And of course Pot 4 with France and Portugal, and lets not forget Serbia either, who might be potential dark horses of the tournament in my opinion.

The draw will be made on Friday 18:45 CET. Two top teams will qualify from the groups for the next stage.