In pictures

1 of 6 The high hopes of outsider Morocco crashed when Sepp Blatter revealed the identity of Africa's first World Cup host.

2 of 6 The joy of the high-powered South African delegation in Zurich was clearly infectious.

3 of 6 Football fans swamped the streets and parks of South Africa's cities at the historic news.

4 of 6 The Africans left nobody in any doubt that when it comes to a spot of stadium face-painting, they are second to none.

5 of 6 There may be six years to go before the championship but this is a time for toasting.

6 of 6 Those who supported unsuccessful bids - like Egypt's - know their next chance could be decades away.