The Cup contenders

Japanese hopes will be resting on Hidetoshi Nakata

Group A

Click here for French squad
Click here for South Korean squad
Click here for Australian squad
Click here for Mexican squad

Group B

Click here for Brazilian squad
Click here for Canadian squad
Click here for Japanese squad
Click here for Cameroon squad

Group A:

France

Even without five of their double World and European championship-winning players, the French are still favourites to claim the Cup.

Manager Roger Lemerre will be without Juventus' Zinedine Zidane and David Trezeguet and Barcelona's Emmanuel Petit because of club commitments, while injuries have ruled out Arsenal's Thierry Henry and Manchester United's Fabien Barthez.

But the quintet's absence will give the likes of Leeds' Olivier Dacourt the opportunity to shine in the international arena.

Others likely to feature for the first time include keepers Gregory Coupet and Mickael Landreau, defenders Zoumana Camara and Jeremie Brechet, and midfielder Eric Carriere.

One player who will be looking to make the most of Henry's and Trezeguet's absence will be Nicolas Anelka.

But the Paris Saint Germain striker faces competition from Bastia striker Patrick Nee, who finished top scorer in the French league with 16 goals this season.

Player to watch: Nicolas Anelka

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Ulrich Rame (Bordeaux), Mickael Landreau (FC Nantes), Gregory Coupet (Lyon)
Defenders: Marcel Desailly and Frank Leboeuf (both Chelsea/Eng), Mikael Silvestre (Manchester United/Eng), Bixente Lizarazu and Willy Sagnol (Bayern Munich/Ger), Nicolas Gillet (Nantes), Jeremie Brechet (Lyon), Christian Karembeu (Middlesbrough/Eng)
Midfield: Patrick Vieira (Arsenal/Eng), Youri Djorkaeff (Kaiserslautern/Ger), Eric Carriere (FC Nantes), Olivier Dacourt (FC Leeds/Eng), Zoumana Camara (Marseille)
Forwards: Frederic Nee (Bastia), Sylvain Wiltord and Robert Pires (both Arsenal/Eng), Nicolas Anelka (Paris-Saint-Germain), Steve Marlet (Lyon), Christophe Dugarry (Bordeaux), Laurent Robert (Paris-SG).

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South Korea

The host nation already have the demands of an expectant nation on their shoulders.

The Korean FA have put their faith into Guus Hiddink - the man who took Holland to the semi-finals of the World Cup in 1998.

Guus Hinddink: New challenge in South Korea

The Dutchman will have his first opportunity to pit his wits against some of the world's best sides - but is asking his side not to get to star-struck.

He is likely to experiment with three strikers in Hwang Sun-Hong, Choi Yong-Soo and Belgium-based Seol Ki-Hyun of Royal Antwerp.

Player to watch: Seol Ki-Hyun

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Lee Won-Jae (Sangmoo), Kim Yong-Dae (Yonsei Univ), Choi Eun-Sung (Taejon Citizen)
Defenders: Kim Tae-Young (Chunnam Dragons), Lee Min-Sung (Sangmoo), Kang Chul (Lask Linz), Choi Sung-Yong (Lask Linz), Seo Douk-gyu (Ulsan Hyundai), Song Chong-Gug (Pusan i.cons), Hong Myung-Bo (Kashiwa Reysol), Lee Lim-Saeng (Bucheon SK)
Midfielders: Lee Young-Pyo (Anyang LG), Park Ji-Sung (Kyoto Purple Sanga), Yoon Jung-Hwan (Cerezo Osaka), Seo Dong-Won (Suwon Samsung Bluewings), Ko Jong-Su (Suwon), Ha Seok-Ju (Pohang Steelers) Yoo Sang-Chul (Kashima Reysol)
Forwards: Ahn Hyo-Yeon (Kyoto Purple Sanga), Seol Ki-Hyoun (Royal Antwerp/Bel), Kim Do-Hoon (Chonbuk Hyundai), Choi Yong-Su (Jef Ichihara), Hwang Sun-Hong (Kashima Reysol)

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Australia

Scoring a total of 66 goals against American Samoa and Tonga may have earned the Socceroos a place in football history, but it certainly hasn't gained them any credibility in the world game.

The Australians are the lowliest Fifa world-ranked sides (68) out of the eight gathered in Japan and South Korea.

And manager Frank Farina's cause is further hindered by the absence of two of his key players, Leeds' Mark Viduka and Harry Kewell.

Middlesbrough pair Mark Schwarzer and Paul Okon, so far unused in the World Cup qualifiers, are likely to feature, along with Archie Thompson.

The Marconi striker netted 13 times in Australia's incredible 31-0 victory against American Samoa - but is looking to impress the watching European club contingent for a move west.

Player to watch: Archie Thompson

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Frank Juric (Bayer Leverkusen/Ger), Zeljko Kalac (Roda JC/Ned), Mark Schwarzer (Middlesbrough/Eng)
Defenders: Hayden Foxe (West Ham/Eng), Steve Horvat (Melbourne Knights), Craig Moore (Rangers/Sco), Shaun Murphy (Sheffield United/Eng), Kevin Muscat (Wolverhampton/Eng), Tony Popovic (Sanfrecce Hiroshima/Jpn), Tony Vidmar (Rangers/Sco)
Midfielders: Marco Bresciano (Empoli/Ita), Scott Chipperfield (Wollongong), Steve Corica (Sanfrecce Hiroshima/Jpn), Brett Emerton (Feyenoord/Ned), Stan Lazaridis (Birmingham/Eng), Paul Okon (capt) (Middlesbrough/Eng), Josip Skoko (Racing Genk/Bel), Aurelio Vidmar (Adelaide City)
Forwards: John Aloisi (Coventry/Eng), Mile Sterjovski (Lille/Fra), Archie Thompson (Marconi), Clayton Zane (Lillestrom/Nor), David Zdrilic (Unterhaching/Ger)

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Mexico

A 4-0 drubbing to England was not the ideal preparation for Mexico as they attempt to recapture the trophy they won so dramatically two years ago against Brazil.

A fantastic 4-3 victory over Brazil in front of 110,000 fans at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City two years ago was one of the most defining pinnacles in Mexican football.

But they have to drastically improve their game after their Pride Park debacle which provoked the Mexican press to dub the team 'Green Rats' for scattering like rodents.

Manager Enrique Meza will be without Cuauhtemoc Blanco, the outstanding player in 1999, and flamboyant keeper Jorge Campos.

Veteran defender Claudio Suarez's presence will provide stability at the back, while Manuel Abundis could prove a handle for defenders.

Campos' replacement Oswaldo Sanchez was one of the only few players to emerge with some credit after the England game.

Player to watch: Oswaldo Sanchez

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Oswaldo Sanchez (Guadalajara), Erubey Cabuto (Atlas) Defenders: Claudio Suarez and David Oteo (Tigres), Joaquin Beltran (Pumas), Duilio Davino and Pavel Pardo (America), Octavio Valdez (Pachuca), Hugo Chavez (Puebla)
Midfielders: Marco Antonio Ruiz (Guadalajara), David Range (Toluca), Juan Pablo Rodriguez (Atlas), German Villa (America), Alberto Coyote (Guadalajara), Joaquin Reyes (Santos Laguna), Victor Ruiz (Toluca), Luiz Perez (Necaxa), Cesareo Victorino (Pachuca)
Forwards: Jose Manuel Abundis (Atlante), Jared Borguetti (Santos Laguna), Daniel Osorno (Atlas), Antonio De Nigris (Monterrey)

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Group B

Brazil

For Brazilian manager Emerson Leao, the Confederations Cup is potentially make-or-break time.

After three unprecedented World Cup qualifying defeats, the national side find themselves in the fourth - and last - automatic qualifying places.

Any more sub-standard performances and the Brazilians could find themselves in the 'humiliating' position of having to play-off against the winner of the Oceania group, or worse still, not qualify altogether.

Elber will be hoping to shine in Japan

But Leao's task is made the more difficult by the absence of star players Cafu, Roberto Carlos and Rivaldo.

But one man who will be desperate to establish himself in Leao's thoughts will be Bayern Munich's Giovane Elber.

The striker has played an integral part of Bayern's domestic and European campaigns and will be hoping to continue the good form in Asia.

Player to watch: Giovane Elber

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Dida (AC Milan/Ita), Fabio Costa (Santos), Carlos Germano (Portuguesa)
Defenders: Ze Maria (Perugia/Ita), Evanilson (Borussia Dortmund/Ger), Cesar (Sao Caetano), Leo (Santos), Lucio (Bayer Leverkusen/Ger), Edmilson (Lyon/Fra), Cacapa (Lyon/Fra), Cesar (Rennes/Fra)
Midfield: Vampeta (Paris Saint-Germain/Fra), Carlos Miguel (Sao Paolo), Leomar (Esporte Recife), Robert (Santos), Julio Batista (Sao Paulo), Wagner (Celta Vigo/Spa), Fabio (Internacional), Ramon (Fluminense)
Strikers: Elber (Bayern Munich/Ger), Anderson (Lyon/Fra), Magno Alves (Fluminense), Washington (Ponte Preta)

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Canada

An unlikely 2-0 victory over Columbia in last year's Gold Cup final gave the Canadians the opportunity to go east.

But a string of disappointing World Cup qualifying results has since followed, much to the disappointment of manager Holger Osieck.

The defence will be pinned around three British-based players, West Ham's Craig Forrest, Hibernian's Paul Fenwick and Jason DeVos of Dundee United.

But youth will be represented in 19-year-old Nuremberg striker Tam Nsaliwa and Hearts defender Kevin McKenna.

Fulham striker Paul Peschisolido will provide ample experience up front.

Player to watch: Tam Nsaliwa

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Craig Forrest (West Ham/Eng), Mike Franks (Hibernian/Sco), Pat Onstad (Rochester Rhinos/USA)
Defenders: Paul Fenwick (Hibernian/Sco), Mark Watson (Washington D.C. Utd/USA), Tony Menezes (Botafogo/Bra), Jason deVos (Dundee United/Sco), Carl Fletcher (Montreal Impact), Kevin McKenna (Hearts/Sco)
Midfielders: Jason Bent (Copenhagen/Den), Paul Stalteri (Werder Bremen/Ger), Nick Dasovic (St Johnstone/Sco), Carlo Corazzin (Oldham Athletic/Eng), Davide Xausa (Livingston/Sco), Jim Brennan (Nottingham Forest/Eng), Daniel Imoff (St Gall/Swi), Richard Hastings (Inverness Caledonian Thistle/Sco), Tam Nsaliwa (Nuremberg/Ger), Marc Bircham (Millwall/Eng)
Forwards: Garrett Kusch (Hoenefoss/Nor), Dwayne Derosario (San Jose Earthquakes/USA), Paul Peschisolido (Fulham/Eng)

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Japan

After their triumph in the Asian Cup, Japan looked as if they could achieve their aim of reaching the last eight of next year's World Cup.

But a 5-0 thumping at the hands of the World Champions, France, in a friendly this year brought them back down to earth with a thud.

Unlike many of his counterparts, Japanese manager Phillipe Troussier will have his star player - Hidetoshi Nakata - at his disposal.

But whether the Roma midfielder can help guide his side to the semi-finals remains to be seen.

European eyes will be cast on young attacking midfielder Shinjo Ono, who could find himself alongside Nakata if he shines.

Player to watch: Shinjo Ono

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi (Yokohama), Seigo Narazaki (Nagoya), Ryuta Tsuzuki (Gamba Osaka)
Defenders: Toshihiro Hattori (Iwata), Kenichi Uemura (Hiroshima), Ryuzo Morioka (Shimizu), Yasuhiro Hato, Naoki Matsuda (Yokohama), Yuji Nakazawa (Verdy Tokyo), Koji Nakata (Kashima)
Midfielders: Hiroaki Morishima (Cerezo Osaka), Atsuhiro Miura (Verdy Tokyo), Teruyoshi Ito, Kazuyuki Toda, (Shimizu), Daisuke Oku (Iwata), Hidetoshi Nakata (AS Roma/Ita), Tomokazu Myojin (Kashiwa), Junichi Inamoto (Gamba Osak), Shinji Ono (Urawa)
Forwards: Masashi Nakayama, Naohiro Takahara (Iwata), Akinori Nishizawa (Espanyol/Spa), Yoshieru Yamashita (Avispa Fukuoka)

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Cameroon

The African and Olympic champions were rocked with the news that manager Jean-Paul Akono was sacked after a shock 2-0 defeat to Angola in a World Cup qualifier earlier this month.

Pierre Lechantre, the man responsible for gold in Sydney last year, now finds himself in the hotseat.

African player of the Year Patrick Mboma will be available after Parma released the striker for the tournament.

The midfield will be powered by Lyon's Marc-Vivien Foe and Arsenal's Lauren.

Young defenders Daniel Ntieche and Olivier Tchatchoua have both been called up for the first time.

Player to watch: Patrick Mboma

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Boukar Alioum (Samsunspor/Tur), Carlos Idriss Kameni (Le Havre/Fra), Jacques Songo'o (Deportivo Coruna/Spa)
Defenders: Daniel Ntieche and Olivier Tchatchoua (Sable Batie), Patrice Abanda (Sparta Prague/Cze), Michel Billong (Anzhi Makhachkala/Rus), Raymond Kalla (Extremadura/Spa), Pierre Njanka (Strasbourg/Fra), Geremi Njitap (Real Madrid/Spa), Rigobert Song (West Ham/Eng), Bill Tchato (Montpellier/Fra), Pierre Wome (Bologna/Ita)
Midfielders: Nicolas Alnoudji (Rizespor/Tur), Joel Epalle (Panahaiki/Gre), Marc-Vivien Foe (Lyon/Fra), Lauren Mayer (Arsenal/Eng), Salomon Olembe (Nantes/Fra) Strikers: Samuel Eto'o (Real Mallorca/Spa), Jean-Desire Job (Middlesbrough/Eng), Patrick Mboma (Parma/Ita), Bernard Tchoutang (Roda Kerkrade/Ned)

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