Participating in the World Cup is an honour for any nation, but for many it really is only participation. With the heavyweights of Brazil, Argentina, Germany and Spain likely to dominate the tournament, less successful nations might wonder how they could possibly finish above the favourites.

The Wall Street Journal has offered these countries a glimpse at what the World Cup might look like if it wasn't about footballing ability at all.

These graphics show how the tournament would play out if it were a battle of tallest roster, most Starbucks per capita, biggest drinkers and many more.

Minnows Algeria will be delighted to hear that they would emerge victorious if it were a battle of military spending, while Switzerland's brain-power would put it first in the stakes for most Nobel prize-winners per capita.