The only country to have won the FIFA World Cup™ outside their own continent, five-time champions Brazil take their opening bow at South Africa 2010 against Group G outsiders Korea DPR.
FIFA.com takes its daily look back at the numbers behind the stories at South Africa 2010, including Fabio Cannavaro's entry into an elite Italian club.
Fans from across the globe are congregating in South Africa, many of them experiencing the country for the first time as they travel together on the trains and buses.
With goalscoring opportunities at a premium when Japan faced Cameroon in Mangaung/Bloemfontein, the physical battle between the sides made for an absorbing encounter.
Côte d?Ivoire captain Didier Drogba participated in a normal training session on Monday, fueling hopes that he will be fit to face Portugal on Tuesday.
Chile defender Gonzalo Jara said that his team is prepared to face Honduras on Wednesday even if star striker Humberto Suazo is held out due to injury.
In an exclusive interview, Cristiano Ronaldo tells FIFA that the spirit inside the Portugal camp could not be better - and tips his team as potential dark horses.
The warmest place to be was also the most exciting as the first World Cup match in the iconic Durban stadium kicked off in front of a passionate crowd of Australian and German supporters.
Ghana forward Andre Ayew has promised his side will continue to do all they can to make their country and continent proud after enjoying a dream start to their 2010 FIFA World Cup.
David meets Goliath when the little-known Korea DPR side mark their return to the world stage with an opening Group G contest against the mighty Brazil.
Mexico star Carlos Vela summed up the significance of Thursday's FIFA World Cup Group A encounter against France by declaring, "It's kill or be killed."
The Korea DPR national team will always be remembered for their exploits at the 1966 FIFA World Cup but today's generation believe they have the mentality to beat Brazil.
As Brazil captain, Dunga united the squad and drove them to glory at USA 1994. Now the 46-year-old is striving to repeat the trick as his country's coach.
Germany striker Miroslav Klose celebrated his goal-scoring performance in the 4-0 FIFA World Cup demolition of Australia by expressing his desire to stay with Bayern Munich.
The first opponents of the team who are many people's favourites for the tournament, Switzerland insist they are capable of providing a strong test for Spain.
After confounding his critics with an impressive showing against Australia, Miroslav Klose spoke exclusively to FIFA.com about his and Germany's prospects.
Midfield star Andres Iniesta is making a steady recovery from a leg injury as he bids to return in time to star for the European champions against Switzerland on Wednesday.
Germany's rampant start to the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa has made a big impression on England's players, who may well have to face the former world champions in the second round.
Andrea Pirlo spoke to FIFA.com about his boyhood memories of the FIFA World Cup, Italy's hopes of glory in South Africa and their rivals for the crown.