6/12/06  FIFA announce dates for 2010 World Cup - The 2010 World Cup in South Africa will run from June 11th until July 11th, FIFA revealed today. Qualification and the number of qualifiers from each region remains the same as in 2006, meaning 13 European nations, 5 Asian and Oceania teams and a total of 8 qualifiers from the American continent will contest the tournament. Hosts South Africa, who qualify automatically, will take their place alongside 5 other African nations. A full 2010 World Cup timetable/schedule will appear on this site as soon as it is announced.

24/11/06  FIFA delegation expresses satisfaction with South Africa 2010 World Cup preparations – FIFA coordinator in waiting Horst Schmidt said that South Africa is further along with preparations than Germany was at the same stage before the last World Cup. Rumours and whisperings continue to abound about the possibility of South Africa losing the World Cup with most of the conjecture suggesting Australia will step in to fill the void. With construction getting underway in several locations and unwavering support from the FIFA hierarchy it looks very much like this is not going to happen. Schmidt went on to say ‘FIFA is very happy with the progress being made’.

3/11/06  England confirm interest in hosting 2018 World Cup - UEFA president Lennart Johansson revealed yesterday that he has already spoken with Chancellor Gordon Brown about the possibility of England hosting the 2018 World Cup. Johannson, launching his manifesto at the start of his campaign to be re-elected into the ivory towers of European football, seemed to suggest that every third World Cup would be held in Europe saying there was 'very great interest' in the idea.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has already said that the rotation system, where World Cup finals are moved around the continents will be 'revisited' for 2018 after being scrapped for 2014 where the tournament is likely to be held in South America.

Sports minister Richard Caborn said yesterday that the government would be willing to back a bid for the finals and FA chairman Brian Barwick threw his hat into the ring saying, 'If that (2018) is the year it is going to come back to Europe, we're going to go for it'.

No decision will be made on the venue for the 2018 World Cup until 2012.

2/11/06  World Cup 2010 South Africa scam email warning - Police have warned South Africans and the international community of a South Africa World Cup lottery email scam promising victims huge cash payouts. The South African scamsters tell potential victims they have won the lottery, provide a certificate confirming the prize and then request personal details via an online form. The South African lottery legislation does not permit participation via an agency or third party. Anybody receiving this email or other related games offering large cash payouts is urged to contact South African Police on (012) 401-3345 or (012) 393-1203 during office hours.

29/10/06  Sepp Blatter: 'They will be ready, no problems they will be ready' - FIFA president Sepp Blatter moved to end rumours that the 2010 World Cup in South Africa could be moved to another country. Speaking on Australian television, the country tipped to take over proceedings, Blatter said that speculation of a switch was wrong and the tournament will remain in South Africa. Blatter went on to say, 'The plan C and B in my opinion is still South Africa'.

28/10/06  South Africa host city hotel rooms at a premium - The Federation of Hospitality Association of South Africa are already warning South Africans not to travel to the host cities of the 2010 World Cup because of a projected shortage of hotel accommodation for the tournament. Some hotels have pledged up to 80% of their rooms to the FIFA organising committee and even though the tournament is almost 4 years away, it seems that very early booking of accommodation in South Africa for the World Cup is to be recommended.

18/10/06  Organising Committee brief world's press - Local Organising Committee chief Danny Jordaan gave details of preparations already underway for the first Football World Cup to be held on the African continent.

Many people, from fans to FIFA's political big-hitters, have voiced concerns over preparations and safety for the tournament. Jordaan stated that there were no major crime concerns and plans are already being drawn up to ensure the safety of players and supporters. Other points to come out of the briefing were;

The competition is likely to take place in June and July despite these being winter months in South Africa. No World Cup 2010 timetable or schedule was announced.

Neighbouring countries may be brought in to provide base camps for competing nations with Mozambique, Angola and Namibia possibly under consideration.

Stadium construction was also addressed.

Work on the new stadium in North Central Port Elizabeth is underway and is expected to be finished in time for the 2009 Confederations Cup. Durban has begun demolition in preparation for its World Cup venue and a new stadium in Green Point, Cape Town is expected to commence in January 2007.  

The 2010 World Cup will be held in South Africa after FIFA decided to host the competition on the African continent for the first time. South Africa won the nomination from unlucky bidders Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Libya.

9 cities will host the games. Johannesburg, which will have two venues, will stage matches along with Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, Nelspruit, Polokwane and Rustenburg.