Set the calendar for So. Africa, June 11 to July 11

Fifa has announced that the 2010 World Cup in South Africa will take place between 11 June and 11 July.

World football's Executive Committee has also decided to keep the qualifying format from the last World Cup so the host's place is guaranteed.

In addition, there will be places for 13 European countries, five Asian and Oceania teams, and a total of eight for South America and the Central American region.

The bidding process for the 2014 World Cup was also officially opened after the two-day meeting.

This will be held in South America, with Brazil as favourites, after a decision in May 2002 to rotate the competition on a continent basis.