2006 Cup fever strikes.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

Byline: Michelle Kaufman

MIAMI _ The 2006 World Cup is 2 { years away, but fans around the world already are buzzing about it after Friday's qualifying draw, which grouped the 157 nations for the long battle to join host Germany in the quadrennial tournament. More than 800 qualifying matches will be played over the next three years, and 32 teams will earn spots.

Former champion France drew what appears to be an easy group and is an early favorite despite the team's shocking first-round exit from the 2002 Cup. France is paired with Ireland, Switzerland, Israel, Cyprus and the Faroe Islands.

Israel spoiled France's World Cup hopes in 1994, costing the French a spot in the tournament, and Cyprus tied France and denied them a spot in the 1990 tournament in Italy. But the French had victories over both teams in the Euro 2004 qualifiers.

``We're at the top of this pot and the logical favorite …