Sport

World Cup 2010 tickets: The lowdown

It's still over a year away, but if you want to witness the 2010 World Cup in South Africa then here is everything you need to know, from how to get one to where to buy a ticket.

The event kicks off in Johannesburg on Friday 11 June 2010 and tickets have already gone on sale. However, don't panic you can still get your hands on some.

Where to buy them

The only official place to get tickets at this stage is through the FIFA website where you have to register. Fans can get up to four tickets per match for up to seven fixtures. You can't apply for more than one match on the same day. Visit Fifa.com to register.

There's no rush!

Tickets are sold in five batches and it makes no difference whether you apply today or March 31, when the first phase closes. A draw will be held on April 15 and everyone who registers has an equal chance of being successful. You just have to apply up until March 31 to be in it.

However, if miss out on this phase there are four more phases for you to purchase. The second is between May 4 and November 16. Later phases are yet to be announced.

Go on how much?

There are around 3 million tickets available for the 64 matches to be played in 10 different venues across South Africa.

Depending on the match, they can cost from 14 to 633. Group games cost 14-113 (apart from the opening match). Tickets for the final cost 106-633.

The cheapest are reserved for South African nationals. A third are for local fans, a third for international fans, and a third for sponsors, teams and the 'FIFA family'.

Each game has four ticket price categories, reflecting how good the seats are. Category four is reserved for locals.

I want to follow my team!

Little success
Rubbish footballers revealed.

You can apply for a series of tickets to follow the country of your choice. These are valid from three to seven games and if the chosen team doesn't make it, buyers can get their money back.

If your team does make it, even more tickets will become available. The 32 countries that get through will be offered 12% of the tickets for their matches in the group stage.

This is much higher than it was in Germany 2006 who only offered 8%.

Will it sell out?

Definitely! South Africa expects around 400,000 visitors throughout Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Nelspruit, Polokwane, Port Elizabeth, Pretoria, and Rustenburg - where the matches will be held.