A Saudi Arabia team featuring the likes of Majed Abdullah, Fuad Anwar and Sami Al Jaber reached the Round of 16 in the country’s debut appearance at the FIFA World Cup in the United States in 1994, with Saeed Al Owairan’s mesmerising goal against Belgium still rated among the finest ever scored at the finals.

And with Hawsawi and his teammates set to make history by becoming the first Asian Football Confederation member association to feature in the tournament’s opening game when they take on Russia in Moscow on June 14, the Al Hilal centre-half is relishing the challenge that lies ahead.

“It will be a big honour for me to be the national team captain, especially at the World Cup,” said the 34-year-old. “We will be playing in a big competition and millions of people all around the world will be watching the opening match.

“It is an amazing feeling and I hope that we can fulfill the expectations of our fans and our football officials as well.”

With coach Ange Postecoglou then departing, all eyes will be on replacement Bert van Marwijk to see if he can help the Socceroos to new heights. 

Overview

It’s been a rocky road to Russia for Australia after Postecoglou sensationally quit has head coach in the aftermath of their dramatic playoff win against Honduras, a win that secured their place at their fourth straight FIFA World Cup.

van Marwijk, the man who guided Saudi Arabia to their qualification, was handed the reins to take Australia to the FIFA World Cup in January and he has been busy in the ensuing six months getting to terms with the players at his disposal and devising a game plan that will serve Australia well in Russia.

Of particular note, was a recent 4-0 win over Czech Republic in Austria, with the Socceroos inflicting the Czechs' biggest ever defeat thanks to goals from Mathew Leckie and Andrew Nabbout.

A turbulent nine-month spell since they secured FIFA World Cup qualification in September saw Saudi Arabia part ways with Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk, appoint former UAE boss Edgardo Bauza, only to dismiss him only two month later and bring Juan Antonio Pizzi.

Pizzi has since gone on to establish a new tactical identity for the team; one that emphasises the value of pressing high up the pitch and retaining possession for extended period. Whether the six months period since he effectively took over is enough for the players to fully adapt to his ways is arguably the biggest question for the Green Falcons ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

Nevertheless, with Son Heung-min – arguably Asia's finest footballer currently playing – and several other young attacking talents in the ranks, the Taeguk Warriors have the potential to excite.

Overview

Set for their ninth consecutive FIFA World Cup, Korea Republic have had a number of pre-Russia 2018 warm-up matches over the last six months with a wide variety of opponents and a series of mixed results. Wins over Moldova, Latvia and Honduras; a draw with Jamaica; losses to Northern Ireland, Poland and Bosnia and Herezegovina.

At the time of writing, Shin Tae-yong's side are yet to face Bolivia and Senegal in their final ties before they kick off their World Cup campaign against Sweden on June 18, but it seems the side are yet to settle on a line-up with a 3-5-2 formation the latest experiment in the defeat to Bosnia.

Overview

With three of their six planned pre-World Cup friendlies cancelled, IR Iran’s preparations have been less than ideal. But with an abundance of talent across the squad, Queiroz will still be confident of a strong showing in Russia.

Drawn in the so-called “Group of Death” alongside the last two European champions; Spain and Portugal as well as Morocco, many believe Team Melli have their work cut out for them.

However, a defence that conceded just five goals in their 18 qualifiers’ games and an attack line boasting some of the continent’s finest forwards could cause upsets if the Portuguese coach gets his tactics right.

Overview

Japan’s preparation for Russia 2018 has not been the most straightforward of Asia's representatives, with coach Vahid Halilhodzic departing the helm just two months before the competition to be replaced with technical director Akira Nishino.

The former Gamba Osaka boss attempted a new three-man defence in his first match in charge, a 2-0 defeat at home to Ghana on May 30, as well as offering a reprieve to big names Shinji Kagawa, Keisuke Honda, and Shinji Okazaki, whose places were in doubt under Halilhodzic.

The FIFA World Cup is without a doubt the grandest stage in world football, and it comes as no surprise that a strong showing at just one tournament could massively shape a player's career in the years to come. As such, here are a number of players that could possibly propel themselves into the spotlight when the tournament kicks off in just over two weeks' time.