Spain won the World Cup final 1-0 in extra time on Sunday against the Netherlands at Soccer City in Soweto.
Andres Iniesta scored for Spain in the 116th minute.
At half-time, and after 90 and 105 minutes, the score was 0-0.
Nine players were shown yellow cards by English referee Howard Webb in the first 90 minutes.
Holland was down to 10 players when John Heitinga was sent off in the 109th minute.
Neither side had won the competition before.
Spain are the European champions. Their previous best finish at the World Cup was fourth place in 1950.
The Dutch were runners-up in 1974 and 1978 and now 2010.
Uruguay striker Diego Forlan won the Golden Ball award as player of the tournament and Thomas Mueller of Germany won the Golden Boot for scoring the most goals.
Since 1930, the World Cup has been won by: Brazil (five times), Italy (four), Germany (three), Uruguay (two), Argentina (two) and England and France.
Spain is revelling in the victory. More than 100,000 people watched the final on giant screens in the heart of the capital, Madrid.
Fireworks displays could be seen all round the city afterwards.
Mandela at closing event
Nelson Mandela was at the closing ceremony before the match at Soccer City in Soweto.
South Africa's first black president drew thunderous applause as he was driven onto the pitch, with the crowd chanting his clan name Madiba and blowing vuvuzela trumpets.
Mr Mandela, who turns 92 in a week, played a crucial role in bringing the event to South Africa.
It was his first appearance at the World Cup. His great-granddaughter, aged 13, died in a car accident on the eve of the tournament, which began on 11 June.
It is the first time the World Cup has been held in Africa. The BBC reports the event is widely regarded as a great success.
South Africa invested $US2 billion in new stadiums and other infrastructure.