But if the hosts did not get the easy draw they were hoping for, neither did five times winners Brazil, who play their European cousins Portugal, Africa's strongest team Ivory Coast and North Korea.
The draw for the 32-nation tournament was made at the end of a 90-minute global television spectacular broadcast to more than 250 million people in a ceremony hosted by FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke and South African actress Charlize Theron.
NEWS: Domenech - Facing hosts will not be easy
The opening match will be staged on June 11 at Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium with the final in the same stadium on July 11.
South Africa defender Matthew Booth, who took part in the draw, said afterwards: "It's a very tough group but we didn't expect an easy one."
Former England captain David Beckham, also taking part in the draw, said: "It's just an honour and a privilege to be at the first finals in Africa."
The country's current president Jacob Zuma appeared on stage to make the bold prediction that the trophy would stay in Africa after the continent staged the tournament for the first time.
