2010 FIFA World Cup — South Africa.
Updated June 20, 2026 · DynastyDaily Editorial · ● Live Last updated: 2026-06-21T02:18:50Z
Direct answer
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was hosted by South Africa (11 June – 11 July 2010) with 32 teams. Champion: Spain. The final was Spain 1–0 Netherlands (a.e.t.) at Soccer City, Johannesburg. Top scorer: Müller/Villa/Sneijder/Forlán (5).
The story of 2010
The first World Cup in Africa, to the soundtrack of vuvuzelas. Andrés Iniesta's extra-time goal won Spain their first title, the peak of the tiki-taka era and part of an unmatched Euro–World Cup–Euro treble. The Netherlands lost a third final, this one ill-tempered. Diego Forlán's Uruguay finished fourth.
Edition facts
| Host | South Africa |
| Dates | 11 June – 11 July 2010 |
| Teams | 32 |
| Format | Groups → knockout |
| Champion | Spain |
| Runner-up | Netherlands |
| Final | Spain 1–0 Netherlands (a.e.t.) |
| Final venue | Soccer City, Johannesburg |
| Third place | Germany |
| Top scorer | Müller/Villa/Sneijder/Forlán (5) |
| Best player (Golden Ball) | Forlán |
| Official mascot | Zakumi |
| Official ball | Jabulani |
| Total attendance | 3,178,856 |
| Total goals | 145 |
Related
See the full finals history, the all-time statistics tables, and our top-20 player legends. For the current edition, the standings and World Cup 2026 hub are live.
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