African nations at the FIFA World Cup by Asamoah Gyan. Had Ghana won their quarter final they would have become the very first African nation to progress to the semifinals of the world cup. Of the 32 countries that participated in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, FIFA ranked Ghana 7th. The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil marked the first time more than one African team went beyond the group stages. While Ghana and Cameroon both collected disappointing results (apart from Ghana's 2–2 draw with later champions Germany, which saw them becoming the only team not to lose against the Germans in the entire tournament) and eventually
2002 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC) remaining automatic qualifying berths were taken by Saudi Arabia and China. Iran that defeating United Arab Emirates to become possible fifth Asian qualifier, fails after losing Republic of Ireland in the intercontinental play-off. There were three rounds of play: "Iran win 4-0 on aggregate and qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA–AFC play-off)" The following four teams from AFC qualified for the final tournament. 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC) 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification Listed below are the dates and results for the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds for Asia. The Asian Football Confederation was allocated