Group C saw the United States finish above England on goals scored despite identical records, with both nations advancing undefeated to the round of 16.
Key Facts
- Group dates
- 12 June – 23 June 2010
- Group winner
- United States
- Teams advancing
- United States and England (both undefeated)
- Algeria's finish
- Fourth place, one point
- Previous meeting
- USA defeated England 1–0 at 1950 World Cup
- Tiebreaker used
- Goals scored (USA ahead of England)
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The 2010 FIFA World Cup draw placed England, the United States, Algeria, and Slovenia into Group C, creating a group that included two historically prominent footballing nations alongside two smaller sides, with England entering as favorites based on reputation and FIFA ranking.
Group C was played between 12 and 23 June 2010 in South Africa. The United States and England each won one game and drew two, finishing with identical records and goal differences; the United States topped the group by virtue of scoring more goals. Slovenia finished third after winning one match, while Algeria ended fourth with a single point.
The United States and England both advanced to the round of 16 without a defeat, while Slovenia and Algeria were eliminated. The group's outcome highlighted the competitive parity between the two top sides, as the United States repeated its historical distinction of finishing level with or above England at a World Cup.