Thirty-two national teams qualified for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, representing six continental confederations. Here is the complete guide to every participating nation.
Europe (UEFA) - 14 Teams
Germany (Host Nation) - Third Place
The hosts exceeded expectations, reaching the semi-finals and finishing third. Manager Jurgen Klinsmann's attacking approach delighted home fans.
Italy (Champions)
Marcello Lippi's side overcame domestic scandal to claim their fourth World Cup, built on defensive excellence and Buffon's goalkeeping.
France (Runners-up)
Despite a slow start, Zidane's brilliance carried Les Bleus to the final, where controversy overshadowed their defeat.
Portugal (Fourth Place)
Luis Felipe Scolari guided Portugal to their best World Cup finish, with a young Cristiano Ronaldo making his mark.
England, Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Ukraine, Poland, Croatia, and Serbia and Montenegro completed Europe's representation.
South America (CONMEBOL) - 5 Teams
Brazil (Quarter-finals)
The defending champions impressed in the group stage but fell to France in the quarters. Ronaldo became the all-time World Cup leading scorer.
Argentina (Quarter-finals)
Jose Pekerman's artistic side played the tournament's best football but suffered penalty shootout heartbreak against Germany.
Ecuador and Paraguay made up the South American contingent, with Ecuador particularly impressive in reaching the knockout rounds.
Africa (CAF) - 5 Teams
Ghana became the only African team to reach the knockout rounds, where they fell to Brazil. Ivory Coast, Togo, Tunisia, and Angola also participated, with Ivory Coast's "Golden Generation" impressing despite not advancing.
Asia (AFC) - 4 Teams
Australia (Round of 16)
Making their first World Cup appearance since 1974, the Socceroos exceeded expectations by reaching the knockout rounds under Guus Hiddink.
South Korea, Japan, Iran, and Saudi Arabia represented Asia, though none could replicate South Korea's 2002 heroics.
North/Central America (CONCACAF) - 4 Teams
Mexico reached the Round of 16 but fell to Argentina in extra time. The United States endured a difficult tournament, drawing controversially with Italy but failing to advance. Costa Rica and Trinidad and Tobago completed the region's representation.
Oceania (OFC) - 1 Team
Australia represented Oceania before their subsequent move to the Asian Football Confederation.
Notable Team Statistics
| Category | Team | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Most Goals Scored | Germany | 14 |
| Best Defense | Italy | 2 goals conceded |
| Most Cards Received | Netherlands | 12 |
| Most Penalties | France | 3 |
Learn more about South American football at CONMEBOL - South American Football Confederation.