Ireland had their name picked out on Friday at the World Cup draw in Cape Town, South Africa. Unfortunately for the aggrieved nation though, actress Charlize Theron – who is co-presenting the draw on Friday night – announced their name as a joke during the dress rehearsal for the main event.

The Hollywood actress seized her opportunity to joke with Fifa officials at the practise draw by announcing “Ireland” when she picked France’s ball out from the pot.

Ireland – who were denied the chance to take part in the 2010 tournament by Thierry Henry’s now infamous handball – had asked the world governing body this week for an unprecedented 33rd place in the draw.

Theron was doing a run-through with Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke, who confirmed that the South African-born star had clearly done her homework before turning up for the event.

"Yes, she did [announce Ireland], but it was only a joke," Valcke confirmed to the Deutsche Presse-Agentur.

The real draw will take place on Friday evening and you can find out who Scotland won’t be taking on with our special live World Cup draw text commentary from 5.15pm.

32 teams will make up the draw – including France – with England named as top seeds for the tournament alongside Argentina, Holland, Brazil, Italy, Spain, Germany and hosts South Africa.

Theron will be joined on stage at the draw by Carol Manana, the country’s self-styled ‘first lady of sport’. They’ll be joined at various intervals by England’s David Beckham, South Africa player Matthew Booth and various African sporting greats.

As for Ireland, Fifa president Sepp Blatter announced earlier this week that he is considering offering compensation in the form of a special award to the country for their misfortune. He did however confirm that Ireland will receive no financial recompense for missign out on the finals.