They join the other 10 countries who have already qualified: Brazil, Ghana, the Netherlands, Paraguay, Spain, England, North Korea, South Korea, Australia and Japan.  Of course, South Africa automatically qualify as the host nation.

So only 13 positions are still up for grabs ...

Local Organising Committee CEO, Danny Jordaan said, "we welcome these teams to South Africa next year. There might only be one winner at the end of the tournament, but all 32 teams can be guaranteed that they will be part of the greatest World Cup ever."

Danny Jordaan, CEO of Local Organising Committee with Zakumi - the official FIFA 2010 World Cup mascot

Most of the new stadiums around the country are finished or in their final stages. 

It's good news that America has qualified.  They're the biggest buyer of World Cup tickets so far (outside of South Africa).  USA were also finalists in last year's Fifa Confederations Cup.

"The USA has already enjoyed success playing in some of the stadiums that will host the World Cup next year," Jordaan said. "Now that their team has confirmed their place in the tournament, I am sure we can expect a spike in the number of people from the USA coming over to South Africa."

All other hopefuls will be competing for the last positions over the next month. 

On 4 December 2009, all 32 qualified teams meet in Cape Town for the Final Draw to determine their groups for the tournament. 

The fever grows ...

Source: BuaNews