A quintet of famous football powers - France, Portugal, Egypt, Nigeria and Cameroon - are in danger of missing out.
But should those five pedigreed nations qualify, along with fast-rising Russia, the tournament would boast the strongest draw since the 1998 World Cup in France. Most editions of the tournament have lacked at least one top team.
"We have to be neutral and support all teams," said LOC boss Danny Jordaan on Friday. "Nigeria, Cameroon and Egypt are of course African footballing giants, but they'll have to earn their right to make it to SA, as reputations count for little at this stage. Algeria and Tunisia have pushed them all the way and we're set for an unbelievably tense final round.
"Big European guns like Portugal and France have their work cut out for them, and on a personal note it would be unfathomable not to have the world's best player, Cristiano Ronaldo, in SA, especially with Portugal's big following here.
"But then again, Bosnia's footballing and political story is a fascinating one, and they would be fairytale World Cup participants," said Jordaan.
The pick of the European playoffs, to be played home and away on November 14 and 18, is between Ireland and France.
Ireland coach Giovanni Trappatoni was furious with Uefa for seeding the playoff draw, having hoped for a soft tie against Slovenia or Bosnia-Herzegovina. But his indignation has now given way to quiet resolve.
French kingpins Frank Ribery and Gael Clichy are out injured, while Karim Benzema is out of favour with coach Raymond Domenech. Les Bleus are a weakened force - and Ireland will be roared on by 82000 fans at Croke Park on Saturday.
Portugal are favourites to beat Bosnia-Herzegovina over two legs. But they will lack the services of the injured Ronaldo - and may battle to contain Bosnian ace Edin Dzeko.
In the other European playoffs, Russia should subdue Slovenia, while Greece's clash with Ukraine is hard to call.
In Africa, the risk of big-name casualties is serious. In Cairo on Saturday, Egypt must beat Algeria by three goals to top their group and qualify for the first time since 1990.
If Egypt beat the Algerians by two goals, both teams will finish level on points and goal difference - and will play off at a neutral venue on November 18.
But the Algerians are clear favourites, having crushed the Pharaohs 3-1 at home this year. All they need to do is defend en masse, concede no more than once, and they'll make their first World Cup Finals since 1986.
In Group A Cameroon are in a stronger position than Egypt. They must win in Morocco to be sure of qualifying, but a draw or a defeat could send them to SA if group rivals Gabon come unstuck against Togo.
For Nigeria, the outlook is simple and nerve-wracking: they must beat Kenya in Nairobi, and pray that Group B leaders Tunisia don't beat Mozambique in Maputo.
Also on Saturday, Uruguay visit Costa Rica in the first leg of their Concacaf/South America playoff. The Uruguayans are old hands at nerve-shredding playoffs, but it's an even clash.
In Wellington, New Zealand host Bahrain in the second leg of their Oceania-Asia playoff.
The first leg in Bahrain, finished goalless, which gives the All Whites an edge. But a score draw would send Bahrain to their first Finals on the away-goals rule. New Zealand have qualified only once, in 1982.
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