It's a fact!
South Africa will become the first African country to host the 2010 FIFA World Cupâ, starting from 11 June to 11 July 2010.
South Africa made its final presentation to host the World Cup to FIFA's Executive Committee at the Trade Centre in Zurich on 14 May 2004.
On 15 May 2004, FIFA President, Sepp Blatter, announced that South Africa would be the host of the 2010 FIFA World Cupâ.
Thirty-two countries have qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cupâ. Six of these are from Africa, namely: South Africa, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Cameroon and Algeria.
The rest of the qualified countries are Japan, the Netherlands, Korea Democratic People's Republic, Australia, Korea Republic, United States of America, Brazil, England, Paraguay, Spain, Denmark, Chile, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Serbia, Switzerland, Argentina, Honduras, Slovakia, France, Portugal, Slovenia, Greece, Uruguay and New Zealand.
Five of the 10 stadiums are new and the rest have been upgraded for the event.
Johannesburg, as South Africa's economic hub, is the only city with two venues for the world cup, namely Soccer City and Ellis Park.
The guarantees are contained in the Bid Book and are required of any country that wishes to host the FIFA World Cup.
According to research by Grant Thornton, the 2010 FIFA World Cupâ will contribute R55,7 billion to the South African economy between 2006 and 2010, generate 415 400 jobs and contribute R19,3 billion in income tax to government.
The firm estimates that some 483 250 tourists will spend around R8, 5 billion during their stay in South Africa.
Between 2006 and 2010, government will spend approximately R600 billion on infrastructure development, and much of this is for World Cup-related projects.
This investment comprises a dedicated R13,6-billion allocation for the 2010 FIFA World Cupâ, which has been allocated to host cities (and the commuter rail agency and roads agency) to improve public transportation systems ahead of the event.
The Organising Committee (OC) has committed to using companies compliant with South Africa's Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) legislation and small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).
By 30 September 2008, 55% of the organisation's spend was through BEE companies and 26% through SMMEs.
South Africa has hosted more than 140 major international events since 1994. Among them were the Rugby World Cup, Africa Cup of Nations, Cricket World Cup, World Summit on Sustainable Development and, recently, the FIFA Confederations Cup.
Government is responsible for general security while venue security is the responsibility of the 2010 FIFA World Cupâ OC.
These include 31 000 permanent members and 10 000 police reservists.
Each of the 32 qualifying teams is expected to send at least two police officers to support the security forces during the tournament.
South Africa had representatives at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, UEFA EURO 2008 and the Beijing Olympics to learn from the host countries' experiences.
The centre in Khayelitsha will help to educate young boys and girls from the community about HIV and AIDS and give them knowledge to live HIV-free.
Cape Town Harbour, Cape Town.
2010 FIFA World Cup-Quick Facts.