Jürgen Klinsmann is trying to add some attacking zest to a side who were unspectacular in qualifying and know they must start well in a challenging group
World Cup 2014: USA profile – Michael Bradley
Once thought of as only being in the team because he was the coach’s son, the midfield enforcer is the key man in Jürgen Klinsmann’s side who face a tough-looking Group G
World Cup 2014: Belgium – the secrets behind the players
Which Belgian players have degrees, which one has a tattoo of a cathedral, which one has a company called Bonka Circus?
World Cup 2014: Belgium tactics and key questions – the expert’s view
With Christian Benteke missing through injury, manager Marc Wilmots faces a tough decision over who to replace him with up front, and Romelu Lukaku faces competition from Kevin Mirallas
World Cup 2014: Russia – the secrets behind the players
Which Russian player refused to transfer to a new club unless they agreed to sign his twin brother too?
World Cup 2014: Algeria – the secrets behind the players
Which Algeria player made his debut against England in the last World Cup? Which one won’t be bothered by the heat in Brazil?
World Cup 2014: Algeria tactics and key questions – the expert’s view
Algeria are hoping to qualify from the group stages for the first time in their history with a flexible 4-1-4-1 formation featuring Tottenham’s Nabil Bentaleb at the base of midfield
World Cup 2014: Algeria profile – Islam Slimani
Islam Slimani is a striker in demand, and Sporting Lisbon will struggle to hold on to him if he impresses for Algeria in Brazil
World Cup 2014: Russia tactics and key questions – the expert’s view
Fabio Capello has brought endurance and defensive stability to the Russian team, but doubts over captain Roman Shirokov’s form and fitness are a worry ahead of Brazil
World Cup 2014: Russia profile – Yuri Zhirkov
The former Chelsea midfielder may not have always impressed in England, but is ready to fight for his country
