<P> The finals involved 32 teams , of which 31 came through qualifying competitions , while the host nation qualified automatically . Of the 32 teams , 20 had also appeared in the previous tournament in 2014 , while both Iceland and Panama made their first appearances at a FIFA World Cup . A total of 64 matches were played in 12 venues across 11 cities . </P>
<P> The finals involved 32 teams , of which 31 came through qualifying competitions , while the host nation qualified automatically . Of the 32 teams , 20 had also appeared in the previous tournament in 2014 , while both Iceland and Panama made their first appearances at a FIFA World Cup . A total of 64 matches were played in 12 venues across 11 cities . </P>
which two countries will play at this year 's world cup for the first time
which two countries will play at this year 's world cup for the first time
Iceland Panama
Iceland Panama