FIFA World Cup 2010 The 2010 FIFA International Cup was the world championship for men's national football teams. It was the 19th FIFA World Cup. The tournament was held in South Africa from 9 June to 18 July 2010. In addition to the United States, which had qualified by winning the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Mexico and Uruguay were also chosen by FIFA as "confederation representatives". Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Spain did not qualify. The hosts South Africa were selected at a special Congress in Cape Town on 4 February 2006. The decision was based on the fact that all previous tournaments had been held in Europe or North America. Although South Africa would have liked to have hosted the event, they agreed to do so in exchange for aid with money and facilities. The country had never before hosted a major international sporting event. It is the most prestigious international football competition in the world, played every four years. The last tournament was hosted by Germany in Germany. The next one will be hosted by Brazil in Brazil. The final match of the tournament was watched by about 180 million people, making it the most-watched sports event in history. The official title of the tournament is FIFA World Cup - Men's National Team Edition.