Europe's national teams embark on the journey to be one of 13 teams to join hosts South Africa and the rest of the world at the 2010 World Cup.
Qualifying takes place over two years. Each of the group winners (nine groups in total) automatically qualify for the World Cup finals.
The eight best runners-up will take part in a drawn home-and-home format series to determine the final four UEFA participants to join the group winners in South Africa.
Spain are the current reigning European Champions, while Italy are the reigning World Cup champions from 2006. Both teams must qualify for the World Cup finals.