JOIN USBrazilian-born Diego Costa could finally make his Spain debut on Wednesday when the world and European champions host Italy in one of more than 60 friendly internationals being played worldwide.
All 32 World Cup finalists will be in action, with France meeting Netherlands in another heavyweight clash, and there will also be a milestone in little-known Mitrovica when Kosovo make their international debut in a match against Haiti.
Wednesday's matches are the last chance for coaches to fine-tune their teams and try out new players before they send a preliminary list of 30 players to FIFA on May 13. The definitive 23-man squads must be confirmed no later than June 2.
Atletico Madrid forward Costa turned down an invitation to play for Brazil last year, prompting coach Luiz Felipe Scolari to angrily claim that he had "turned his back on the dreams of millions."
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque included Costa in his squad for two November friendlies but he was ruled out by injury. The Italy match, a repeat of the Euro 2012 final which Spain won 4-0, could therefore mark his debut for his adopted country.
Spain and Italy also met last year in a Confederations Cup semifinal which ended with both sides staggering around the field exhausted after the game went into extra-time in the tropical heat of Fortaleza. Spain won on penalties.
Tevez overlooked
World Cup hosts Brazil head for South Africa, surprising observers who would have expected them to face top-level opposition, while Argentina – with Carlos Tevez again overlooked by coach Alejandro Sabello – visit Romania.
Colombia's ability to play without Radamel Falcao, should the prolific striker not recover from a knee injury in time for the World Cup, will be tested against Tunisia in Barcelona.
Of the other South American teams, Uruguay visit non-qualifiers Austria, Chile travel to Germany and Ecuador play Australia in London.
Germany coach Joachim Loew has been fretting about injuries and lack of form ahead of his team's match.
Elsewhere, England host Denmark at Wembley, while fellow finalists Switzerland and Croatia meet in St Gallen, Russia entertain Armenia and the United States and Ukraine meet in neutral Cyprus.