Which African country was the first on the continent to host the FIFA World Cup?

South Africa was the first African country to host the FIFA World Cup.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010. It was the first edition of football’s men’s World Cup held in Africa, marking a major milestone for the continent’s role in international sport.

Matches were played in ten stadiums across nine cities, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth and Bloemfontein. The final was held at Soccer City, now known as FNB Stadium, in Johannesburg. Spain won the tournament by defeating the Netherlands 1–0 after extra time, with Andrés Iniesta scoring the decisive goal.

South Africa’s hosting bid succeeded after FIFA selected it in 2004. The tournament also became closely associated with the sound of the vuvuzela, a long plastic horn used by many spectators. Morocco later became the second African host nation when it co-hosted the 2030 World Cup, but South Africa remains the continent’s first.