The hosts will get the tournament underway when they face Croatia at 9pm and it promises to be a cracker.
But as the final preparations begin, here’s our look at the latest news coming out of the tournament.
Heel be gutted
England’s Group D opponents Costa Rica suffered a blow on the eve of the tournament as full-back Heiner Mora had his World Cup dreams ended early.
The 29-year-old suffered a broken heel during a training session at their base in Santos. The exotically named Dave Myrie has been called up as a replacement.
But Costa Rican supporters should not be worried about how Myrie will react to his unexpected call-up to join his team-mates in Brazil.
It’s fair to say that the 26-year-old is somewhat used to life on the road having racked up an impressive 10 clubs in four different countries over the last four years!
David Luiz still has his lovely locks
Wig wham bam, it’s all a sham
Twitter went into meltdown after Gary Lineker tweeted pictures of Brazil’s David Luiz with a shaven head.
Photos had been circulating that the defender, famed for his curly hair, had taken the clippers to his barnet. But fans of the frizzy David Luiz – and no doubt comedy wig manufactures in Brazil – can relax. It was all a ruse.
Brazilian satire website Ole do Brasil have owned up to the hoax – so prepare to see his wild head of hair on full display in Sao Paulo this evening.
Marco Verratti won't forget his flu jab again
Flu is the colour
It’s good news for the Italians ahead of their showdown with Roy Hodgson’s Three Lions on Saturday as they welcomed Marco Verratti back to training.
The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder has been laid low for most of the week with a bout of flu, missing three days of training. However, the 21-year-old has recovered and joined in a practice session on Wednesday afternoon at the Italians base in Mangaratiba.
Verratti’s return, along with second-choice goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu after a rib injury, means Cesare Prandelli’s men will be at full strength against England in Manaus on Saturday.
