This summer in South Africa the 19th edition of the FIFA World Cup will take place and it will be the first ever held on the continent of Africa. The best 32 football nations will battle, and current holders Italy will look to defend their title. Some of the strongest powers will attempt to dethrone the Italian champions: South American giants Brazil and Argentina, Europe's prominent players Spain, England, Germany and France, not to mention Africa's best hope in the skillful Ivory Coast and Ghana. Spain, who won Euro 2008, are currently the slight favorites atop most sportsbooks. They are listed at 4/1 odds to capture FIFA Gold, while Brazil are a close second at 5/1 and England coming in as the third most likely to win the tournament at 11/2.
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The opening round match is scheduled for June 11 in Johannesburg with hosts South Africa facing Mexico. The tournament continues through July 11, the date of the championship match held at the same venue, Soccer City. During this month of exciting play, teams will be placed throughout South Africa's nine host cities and play will take place in ten different stadiums. The finale to the world's most popular sporting event is in the city of Johannesburg, the site of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final on July 11.
Key World Cup Dates
May 12: World Cup Rosters (23-man squad) due for 32 competing teams
June 11-25: World Cup Group Play. Group winner and runner-up advance to Round of 16.
June 26-29: Round of 16 (eight different venues)
July 2-3: World Cup Quarterfinals (Johannesburg and Cape Town)
July 6-7: World Cup Semi-finals (Cape Town and Durban)
July 10: World Cup Third Place Match (Port Elizabeth)
July 11: World Cup Final (Johannesburg)
Notable Group Play Matches (all times EST):
June 12: England vs. United States - Rustenburg - 2:30 p.m.
June 15: Ivory Coast vs. Portugal - Port Elizabeth - 10 a.m.
June 17: France vs. Mexico - Polokwane - 7:30 a.m.
June 20: Brazil vs. Ivory Coast - Johannesburg - 2:30 p.m.
June 23: Ghana vs. Germany - Johannesburg - 2:30 p.m.
June 24: Cameroon vs. Netherlands - Cape Town - 2:30 p.m.
Click here for complete World Cup match schedule.
