The six countries involved have been split into two groups of three, with the top two from each progressing to the semi-finals at the Tauron Arena.

Hosts Poland, the reigning world champions, will contest Pool J1 with Sydney 2000 Olympic gold medallists Serbia and France, the defending World League winners and also the champions of Europe.

Pool JB will feature double Olympic and triple world champions Brazil, who are preparing for the expectation of a home Olympics in Rio de Janeiro next month.

They are joined by triple Olympic champions United States and three-time world champions Italy.

Reigning Olympic champions Russia will not be present in Krakow as the London 2012 winners failed to progress through the earlier stages.

Serbia are the only country taking part who do not have Rio 2016 to look forward to, with 36 countries taking part in the World League in all leading up to the final six.

Brazil and the US advanced from qualifying with the best records, with both countries winning eight matches and losing just one.

Serbia won seven games and lost two to qualify in third place, with France and Italy both winning six and losing three.

Poland lost six games and won just three in the opening stage, but their place in the final six was assured on account of them being hosts.

They are scheduled to entertain France in their first game of the tournament tomorrow, with Brazil and Italy meeting in the opening fixture.

On day two on Thursday (July 14), Poland are due to meet Serbia with the US facing the Italians.