World Cup 2014 Qualifying: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal To Play Sweden In 2-Leg UEFA Playoff; Mexico And New Zealand To Meet [PREVIEW]

Though the final stages of World Cup Qualifying came to a close last week, multiple teams across the globe have begun preparations for a playoff series that will determine the remaining World Cup berths. International clubs including Portugal, Nigeria, Egypt and Mexico failed to meet requirements that would have automatically sent their respective sides to the World Cup and even though the task of advancing will be challenging, each team set for the playoffs is just happy to have one final opportunity to advance to the 2014 tournament in Brazil.

While these teams now begin the necessary steps in order to assure their place at the 2014 World Cup, other international squads are pleased with the accomplishment of sealing their places at next summer's 32-team event. The United States, Costa Rica and Honduras finished in the top 3 in the CONCACAF Hexagonal while England, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands sealed their place in the European group. Australia, Iran, Korea Republic and Japan have already clinched spots from the Asia division with Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador already advancing through the South America pool.

With each of the playoff series set to conclude in November, here's a complete look at each team and group involved in the final slate of games that will finally seal the international field for next year's highly anticipated tournament.

UEFA PLAYOFF BRACKET (Two-Leg Format, Nov. 15 & 19)

Portugal v. Sweden

Ukraine v. France

Greece v. Romania

Iceland v. Croatia

AFRICAN PLAYOFF BRACKET (Second Leg, Nov. 15-19)

Cote d'Ivoire v. Senegal (Ivory Coast leads 3-1 after opening leg)

Tunisia v. Cameroon (Teams played to 0-0 draw in opening leg)

Ghana v. Egypt (Ghana leads 6-1 after opening leg)

Ethiopia v. Nigeria (Nigeria leads 2-1 after opening leg)

Burkina Faso v. Algeria (Burkina Faso leads 3-2 after opening leg)

ADDITIONAL PLAYOFF SERIES (Two-Leg Format)