The world’s most watched sporting event, the FIFA World Cup of soccer, is only a year and a half away. Over 200 teams will begin qualifying matches for the final 32 spots beginning March 28, 2009. Matches take place across Europe so fans everywhere have a chance to be a part of the action!
Held in South Africa, this will be the first time the international tournament will be hosted by a country in the Confederation of African Football, leaving the Oceania Football Confederation the only FIFA confederation yet to host. There have been many rumours circulating over whether or not the tournament would be moved from South Africa due to some FIFA executives expressing concerns with regard to the organization, planning and pace of the preparations, though FIFA representatives have been strongly denying it.
The final tournament runs from June 11 – July 11, 2010 in 9 different cities across South Africa. An exciting moment for fans, this tournament provides current World Cup champs Italy, with a shot at tying the record for most World Cups, a title currently held by Brazil with 5.
2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Tournament dates:
March 28, 2009
April 1, 2009
May 1, 2009
June 6, 2009
June 10, 2009
August 19, 2009
September 5, 2009
September 9, 2009
October 10, 2009
October 14, 2009
October 15, 2009
2010 FIFA World Cup Final Tournament dates:
June 11, 2010 – July 11, 2010 – Multiple Daily Matches