Host-city South Africa's team has the spirit, determination and man-power to take home the gold. Here's who else to keep your eyes on:

Spain
They’re one of the heavy favorites for the upcoming World Cup after cruising to victory in the 2008 European Championship. Fernando Torres and David Villa, two of Spain’s highest-ever goal scorers, will again be the keys to the team that won 35 consecutive international matches from 2007–2009.

Brazil
They’ve made the finals in three of the last four World Cups and won twice–Brazil is always a threat. Striker Luis Fabiano is in fine form after scoring a pair of goals in the 2009 Confederations Cup finals, and he’ll get help from streaky scorer Robinho, world-class goalkeeper Julio Cesar and creative midfielder Kaka.

Argentina
On paper, the team from Argentina is perhaps the most offensively talented of them all, with Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero leading the way. Universally praised Messi is one of the most dynamic football players in history, but he and his teammates will have to work together with coach Diego Maradona (yes, that Maradona) to shore up a leaky back end.

England
We don’t know if including an aging David Beckham on the roster will work out, but leaning on striker Wayne Rooney, defenders Rio Ferdinand and John Terry, all English Premier League stars, is never a bad idea. Team chemistry may be an issue though–Terry was recently stripped of his captaincy for his dalliances with former England teammate Wayne Bridge’s ex-girlfriend.

Italy
Some say the defending World Cup champions have drawn the easiest group for first-round play. But offensive powerhouse Francesco Totti has retired from international competition, and even with all-star goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon in the net, there is the question of whether or not this team will be too old to compete.

USA
Though they’ve never matched up to the international soccer powers, there is hope the U.S. team will at least make it out of group play. They recently made a strong run to the finals of the Confederations Cup, where they ended up losing to mighty Brazil. Be sure to watch out for up-and-coming striker Jozy Altidore.

Now that you've got a grip on who to watch, find out where to do it with our World Cup-watching guide .