Highs & Lows

The South African team did not advance beyond the initial stage for the first time. Also, defending champions Italy and 2006 runners-up France finished last in their respective groups. Only 6 European teams progressed to the last 16. But the teams that finished in the top 3 were all European. All 5 South American teams made it to the last 16, with 4 advancing to the quarterfinals. This is the first time European teams have won consecutive World Cups since Italy got the title in 1938.

The Netherlands and Spain were the only teams to have won all their qualification matches for the 2010 World Cup, with the Netherlands also winning all games on their way to the final. In the 208 FIFA national teams, the 2010 World Cup shares with the 2008 Summer Olympics and beats the record for most competing nations in a sporting event.