Phase one 2010 ticket sales ends tomorrow

"We have had a phenomenal response from football fans around the world. We do expect a last-minute rush to beat the 31 March deadline, in particular in South Africa. This is the best chance to secure a ticket at an early stage, so as not to miss out on this unique opportunity to be part of the first FIFA World Cup on African soil," said FIFA secretary general Jérôme Valcke.

Fifty percent of the applications made so far have been for the Team Specific Series, which allows fans to follow their team of choice as it progresses through the tournament. This reflects the growing popularity of this special ticket product, which was introduced in 2002.

“Passed the one million mark”

"We are very excited to have passed the one million mark for ticket applications for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The interest in South Africa and around the world has been incredible. We are now completing magnificent stadiums and world-class infrastructure and are well placed to stage an authentic African showpiece that global football fans will never forget," said Danny Jordaan, the CEO of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa.

Fans have until midnight (CET) on 31 March to make ticket applications on www.FIFA.com. In addition, SA residents can submit a paper application in one of the 700 FNB branches across the country, a system developed with FIFA partner Visa.

Irrespective of the date of their order during this first sales phase, which commenced on 20 February, all applicants have the same chance of success. In case of over-subscribed matches, a random selection draw will be held on 15 April to allocate tickets for over-subscribed matches. All applicants will know by the end of April at the latest whether they have been successful or not.

Second sales period

The second sales period for 2010 FIFA World Cup match tickets begins on 4 May and will be open until 16 November. Tickets will then be allocated on a "first come, first served, subject to availability" basis in this sales period, which means that applications will be processed in the order they are received.