Les Bleus were pitted against Bafana Bafana, Mexico and Uruguay in Group A when the draw was made this evening.

Domenech feels it will be a tough group but is looking forward to the showpiece match against the hosts.

"Meeting the host nation is never a gift in such a test," he said on the France Federation's website, www.fff.fr. "That said, to play against South Africa, the first African country to host a World Cup on its continent, is a great sense of pride for everything this match could be worth.

"Then Mexico and Uruguay are two teams who have the capacity to frustrate their opponents. They are technical teams, never easy to play against."

France have met South Africa once before in the World Cup, in 1998 when Les Bleus beat Bafana Bafana 3-0 on their way to lifting the trophy.

Domenech is also pleased that France will kick off their tournament on the very first day.

France take on Uruguay on June 11, before meeting Mexico six days later and the hosts on the 22nd.

Domenech added: "It's good to play from the first day. You're not waiting around, you're not asking yourself questions, you start the challenge quickly.

"This group will be difficult. The three other teams will have the same desire as us to qualify. South Africa, Mexico and Uruguay will pose us problems.

"The aim of all the teams here is to win the World Cup, there are 32 teams who are dreaming of becoming world champions."