Tourney picture taking shape after day of drama

GENEVA — The World Cup is truly taking shape.

A dramatic day of qualifying matches ended with 23 of the 32-team lineup confirmed to play next year in Russia.

Lionel Messi will be there. Cristiano Ronaldo, too. The United States will not, for the first time since 1986.

The remaining nine spots will be decided next month, but the eight topseeded nations for the Dec. 1 draw in Moscow are now known. There are still four European playoffs, two intercontinental playoffs and three African qualifying groups to be decided.

Here are some things we learned about the next World Cup: users everywhere. World Cup sponsor Adidas and Nike — who provide the uniforms for Messi and Ronaldo, respectively, on international duty — should also be relieved.

Portugal and Argentina went from the fringes to the top-seeded spot of teams as the Nos. 3 and 4 teams in the FIFA rankings.

The top seven-ranked teams — FIFA will confirm the list on Monday — join host Russia in Pot 1. They include top-ranked and defending champion Germany plus Brazil, Belgium, Poland and France.

Iceland and Panama are the two World Cup newcomers so far.

Iceland is beloved worldwide after its run to the 2016 European Championship quarterfinals and will be the smallest nation by population — only 330,000 — ever to play at a World Cup.