Five confirm 2010 World Cup bids

A total of five African countries are expected to meet the midnight deadline set by Fifa for announcing intent to host the 2010 World Cup finals. Egypt, Libya, Morocco, South Africa and Tunisia have all expressed their desire to stage the tournament, which will be the first ever held on the African continent.

However, because Fifa's offices are closed for the new year, the official list of candidates will only be made available next Monday.

South Africa, who lost out on hosting the 2006 tournament by one vote amidst great controversy, declared they would enter the race back in October, as did Libya.

Both made the announcements just a few days after Fifa president Sepp Blatter confirmed that Africa would definitely stage the 2010 tournament.

Tunisia last week unexpectedly entered the race when, according to local press reports, the country's president ordered national federation officials to declare their intent.

The country has already secured the 2004 African Nations Cup finals.

It was also the first African country to host a Fifa-organised event, when the World under-20 championship was held there in 1977.

Morocco, who have lost three previous bids, and Egypt have also stated their interest.

There have been media reports of interest from Nigeria but no official word.

Under the Fifa timetable, interested federations need submit only an expression of intent by the end of the year.

Fifa will then send each federation a detailed list of requirements.

Only on 30 April must each country formally confirm their interest in hosting.