As teams continue to book their place at the 2010 World Cup, espnstar.com casts an eye over those already qualified.

Australia
Came through their first qualifying campaign in the Asian zone with flying colours, remaining undefeated to top their group. Gave eventual champions Italy a fright in the second round in 2006, their first World Cup finals in 32 years. Coach Pim Verbeek has targeted a quarter-final spot in South Africa.

Brazil
Ever-present at the World Cup finals and the most successful nation in the tournament's history with five titles. After a relatively straightforward passage through South American qualifying, Dunga's star-studded squad will aim to better their showing in 2006, when they lost in the quarter-finals to France.

England
Put to bed their failure to reach Euro 2008 with a superb qualifying display, winning eight games in a row to secure their place with two matches to spare. Transformed under Italian coach Fabio Capello, England are the highest scorers in European qualifying. Expectations will be for better than another quarter-final.

Ghana
The first African nation to come through qualifying, the Black Stars secured their place on September 6 with a 2-0 win over Sudan. First reached the finals in 2006, where they came through the group stage before losing to Brazil. Squad includes Chelsea's Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari of Inter Milan.

Holland
Another team to win all their qualifying matches, the Dutch were the first European nation to make it through. Packed with exciting attacking talent, Holland will be going for a first World Cup trophy after losing in the final twice in the 1970s.

Japan
Finished as runners-up behind Australia in their qualifying group. The 2010 finals will be their fourth successive World Cup appearance, with their best showing a last-16 place on home soil in 2002.

North Korea
The surprise package to come out of Asian qualifying, North Korea have reached the finals for the first time since their quarter-final appearance in 1966. Next year will mark the first time North and South Korea will have appeared at the same World Cup.

Paraguay
A 1-0 win over Argentina yesterday booked Paraguay's ticket to their fourth consecutive finals. Failed to make it out of their group in 2006 after successive last-16 appearances. Star name is Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz.

South Africa
Qualified automatically as the hosts to add to finals appearances in 1998 and 2002. Had been on something of a downward slide but held their own at their home Confederations Cup in June and coach Joel Santana is optimistic of a decent showing next year.

South Korea
Traditionally the strongest Asian side, South Korea will be making a seventh successive finals appearance. Their 2002 semi-final on home soil is the best result by an Asian side. Now under the stewardship of home-grown coach Huh Jung-Moo.

Spain
The Euro 2008 champions have gone from strength to strength since ending their 44-year wait for a major championship trophy. Have never won the World Cup but eased through qualifying without dropping a point and Vincente Del Bosque's side are likely to go to South Africa as favourites.