Europe
53 teams, 13 places
The majority of sides expected to qualify for South Africa 2010 from Europe did so, although notable European absentees include Russia and Croatia.
FIFA has today replied to the request made by the Football Association of Ireland to replay their FIFA World Cup play-off match against France in Paris.
Joy erupted on the streets of Paris as Algerian fans based in the city went out to celebrate qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Carlos Queiroz has hailed his players' fighting spirit after a battling performance in Bosnia-Herzegovina secured them a spot in South Africa.
Russian press and fans were left shocked after the national side's defeat to Slovenia in the return play-off match left them out of the FIFA World Cup.
Coach Guus Hiddink was giving nothing away regarding his future as his Russia side were denied a place at the World Cup finals by Slovenia
