World Cup qualifiers to date

So far eight nations have qualified for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

South Africa were first - as host nation.

In June, Japan, Australia, South Korea joined them, as did the first European nation, Holland.

A few days later North Korea joined them - and the seeding committee is already working at keeping the two Korean nations apart!

At the weekend the first South American nation qualified - inevitably, Brazil. And so, too, did the first African nation, Ghana.

So, eight nations have qualified, and 24 will join them. This midweek's fixtures could see some more qualifiers, and many more nations see their hopes dashed.