Shenzhen is one of eight cities to host the World Cup next year which will be the first edition of the event with an expanded roster. Next year’s World Cup has 32 countries participating.
However, 18 countries have confirmed their places in China with 14 spots remaining with as many as 32 nations in different continents battling to progress.
The United States of America and host China have automatically qualified to the competition. The final qualification window is in February.
Europe has the highest number of qualified nations thus with powerhouses Spain, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Lithuania and Turkey progressing ahead of the qualifiers.
Three African countries have sealed three of five places available with reigning African Champions Tunisia leading the pack.
Nigeria and Angola have also qualified with Senegal and Egypt in serious contention for the available spots.
By Yaw Adjei-Mintah
@YawintYM on Twitter
