The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the first held on African soil, with Spain claiming their maiden world title by defeating the Netherlands 1–0 in the final.
Key Facts
- Edition
- 19th FIFA World Cup
- Host nation
- South Africa (first African host)
- Duration
- 11 June – 11 July 2010
- Stadiums used
- 10 stadiums across 9 host cities
- Participating teams
- 32
- Final score
- Spain 1–0 Netherlands (after extra time)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
FIFA's 2004 decision to award the 2010 World Cup exclusively to an African nation resulted in South Africa being selected over Egypt and Morocco, marking a deliberate effort to bring the tournament to the continent for the first time. Qualification began in August 2007, with 32 teams eventually earning places in the finals.
The tournament was held across 10 stadiums in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010. Thirty-two teams competed through a group stage and knockout rounds. In the final at Soccer City, Johannesburg, Spain defeated the Netherlands 1–0 after extra time, becoming the eighth nation to win the World Cup and the first European side to win a World Cup outside Europe.
Spain's victory made them the first team to win the World Cup after losing their opening group match, and the first since 1978 to win after dropping a group-stage game. Host nation South Africa became the first hosts eliminated in the group stage, as did defending champions Italy and France. Spain subsequently represented the world at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.
Result
at Soccer City, Johannesburg, South Africa