With 100 days to go until kickoff, the City of Cape Town is confident that it is ready to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

Cape Town is pulling out all the stops to make the most of the event, and capitalise on the worldwide exposure.

The City's main FIFA World Cup™ objectives include hosting the semi-finals and other events successfully; being the party capital of Africa; ensuring the maximum public benefit and leaving a lasting legacy in terms of infrastructure, economic development and the environment.

The City also hopes to use the global exposure and positive visitor experiences to attract major events, investment and tourism after the World Cup™.

Even though the City is not hosting the opening or closing matches, four out of five visitors to South Africa during the tournament are expected to visit Cape Town.

Operational planning for the World Cup™ is well-advanced, and is in the final stages.

This includes the event footprint (the stadium, Fan Fest and Public Viewing Areas); event operations; arts and culture and economic development; and social issues.

Detailed plans for security and ensuring a safe event are in place, under the leadership of the SA Police Service (SAPS). The 2010 by-law is in place, and City beautification and decoration programmes are being carried out.

Transport is a key component of hosting a successful World Cup™, and Cape Town's airport, rail and road systems have had major upgrades. Planning includes bus services, other transport operations, and road closures. A total of 43 buses have been ordered, with delivery expected between March and May 2010.

The Cape Town Stadium is complete, and has hosted two successful and sold-out test events: A soccer match with 20 000 spectators and a rugby match with 40 000 spectators. A religious event is planned for 22 March. These test events mean that the City and the operators, Sail/Stadefrance can resolve any problems and refine operational procedures ahead of the World Cup™.

All eight World Cup™ matches at Cape Town are currently sold out.

The City also hosted a successful Final Draw in December 2009, with an estimated 200 million people watching the event live, and about 55 000 people packed into Long Street to watch on large screens.

"Cape Town delivered three things the world was waiting for: the match order for the FIFA World Cup™ tournament; a world-class event and an unforgettable and safe visitor experience and television spectacle," says Pieter Cronje, Director: Communication.

"This will be an African and a South African World Cup™ - Cape Town is ready to share its unique people and places with visitors and the world through television."