World Cup 2010 in South Africa

Be among those to experience at first hand the carnival atmosphere set to sweep South African cities as passionate supporters from all over the globe flood in to see the 2010 FIFA World Cup visit the continent for the first time. The opening game and the final of the tournament are in Johannesburg, with Pretoria, Polokwane, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Nelspruit, and Rustenburg all enjoying a piece of the action, too.

Stadiums pulse with excitement as fans dress up in their national colors, bang drums, chant and sing to urge their teams on. New allegiances are formed as supporters are brought together in the host cities, little-known qualifiers pull off shock results, and teams are eliminated one by one. But even if you don't get one of the 3 million tickets on sale, 64 matches are being screened at bars and community centers and on giant screens at fan parks in the host cities.

For the final on July 11, 2010, 600 million people around the world are expected to be watching on TV, so it's little exaggeration to say that the eyes of the world will be on Johannesburg.

When: June 11-July 11, 2010. Matches take place afternoons and evenings.

About the crowd: People of all ages and backgrounds, united by a love of football.

Strange but true: In 1966 the World Cup was stolen while on display in London. It was later found by a mongrel dog called Pickles.

Insider tips: Keep a close eye on www.fifa.com and the website of your national football association for the latest news on ticketing and accommodation. Don't forget your wetsuit -- June to September is prime surfing season in South Africa (an ASP World Tour event is held at Jeffrey's Bay every July).

What else?: The England team's essential items for the 2006 World Cup included 24 cans of styling mousse and 1,600 McVitie's Jaffa Cakes.

Get there: International airlines fly to Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg.

Price: Inexpensive/Expensive.

Tickets and information: Tickets are initially on sale through national football associations, with the remainder going to general sale. The first tickets went on sale in February 2009. Official sites: www.fifa.com and www.sa2010.gov.za