SounderCentral guide to World Cup 2006

In the summer of 2006, the world will gather around televisions and radios to watch and listen, when 32 countries decide the ultimate title in international soccer: The World Cup.

Technically, this gathering which occurs every four years in the summer, is referred to as the World Cup "finals".

Officially, World Cup 2006 began on September 6, 2003, when the first of 204 countries stepped onto the field to begin qualifications to become one of the final 32 teams to play in Germany in the summer of 2006.

This site will keep you informed of the basic progress of the 204 FIFA member nations, as they fight to win the ultimate championship in soccer.

Qualification is determined by a set number of teams from each of the world's "continents". Click on the following links to see current World Cup 2006 progress by continent:

North and Central America, and Caribbean (3 or 4 spots) (next matches: June 12 , 2004)
South America (4 or 5 spots) (next matches: June 1 , 2004)
Europe (14 spots, plus host Germany) (matches begin: August 18, 2004)
Africa (5 spots) (next matches: June 4 , 2004)
Asia (4 or 5 spots) (next matches: June 9 , 2004)
Australia and Pacific Islands (0 or 1 spot) (next matches: May 12, 2004 )