South Africa, which will host the 2010 World Cup, joins Canada, Mexico, the United States, three qualifying teams from the Caribbean and four from Central America in the regional tournament.

The seven qualifying teams will be determined by February, and the second team to be asked to play in the July 6-24 tournament in the United States will be announced at a later date.

"For many years now the CONCACAF Gold Cup has attracted high standard guest teams that have only enhanced the quality of our showpiece event, and the 2005 edition will be no different," CONCACAF president Jack Warner said. "We are honored that South Africa will be joining us in 2005."

South Africa is the first African team to participate in the competition. Previous contestants from outside the region include Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and South Korea (news - web sites). No guest has ever won the title, but Brazil twice reached the final and Colombia once.