The 2010 World Cup in South Africa

Five new stadiums have been built in South Africa for the 2010 World Cup. Each stadium is a state-of-the-art facility that can accommodate massive crowds with perfect views of the on-pitch action. Many are located in some of South Africa's most scenic areas and will add to the World Cup spectacle.

South Africa's World Cup Stadiums:

• Cape Town Stadium (Green Point Stadium)


• Moses Mabhida Stadium


• Ellis Park Stadium (Coca-Cola Park)


• Soccer City Stadium


• Free State Stadium (Vodacom Park)


• Port Elizabeth/Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium


• Mbombela Stadium


• Peter Mokaba Stadium


• Royal Bafokeng Stadium


• Loftus Versfeld Stadium

South Africa has evolved a unique and vibrant football culture that will add a uniquely African flavour to the 2010 World Cup. Local football fans are known for blasting on air horns known as vuvuzelas, and for donning innovative outfits, including decorated mining hats (known as Makaraba) adorned with horns, beer cans and bright colours.

African football teams will be competing in front of 'home' crowds for the first time in history, and many Africans are hoping that this will give the title prospects of these teams a genuine boost. Expect to see some slick skills displayed on the pitch as African teams look to entertain the crowds with flair and outrageous dribbling skills.

Over 450,000 football fans are expected to travel to South Africa to take in the sights and sounds of the 2010 Football World Cup. Billions more will be watching the tournament from the comfort of their own homes.

Here are a few things you can do to enhance your World Cup experience:

1. Play World Cup Sweepstakes

Before the tournament starts you can put the names of the different teams in a hat and form a small World Cup betting pool with your friends and family. Draw names randomly, and the person lucky enough to pick the winner will win the pool.

2. Play Fantasy Football

Many websites are offering fantasy football for the 2010 Football World Cup, with some big prizes up for grabs for football fans who can pick a winning team. Simply pick a World Cup 'dream team' online and see how it performs at the tournament. You can even trade and transfer players during the tournament depending on how well your team does.

3. Put Your Knowledge to the Test

Willing to put your money where your mouth is? Online bookmakers will be offering dozens of World Cup betting markets for each match as well as countless World Cup free bets. Just remember to bet for fun, and not in expectation of a big profit. If you do know your football, you'll reap the benefits.