Soccer City – 23 days to kick-off (photographs)

23 days to kick-off – The 2010 FIFA World Cup starts in exactly 23 days today with the opening match between South Africa and Mexico at Soccer City in Johannesburg. One of the most artistic and awe-inspiring football venues on the African continent, the newly-reconstructed Soccer City Stadium will host the first and final matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa …

The ground’s design is inspired by the iconic African pot known as the calabash, and its aesthetic appeal is heightened when the stadium is lit at night. Soccer City is located in Johannesburg’s southwest and is only a short distance from one of the country’s football-crazy townships, Soweto. About 40 per cent of Johannesburg’s population live in Soweto and this proximity is bound to make the stadium a hub of activity throughout the 2010 finals.

Photograph: Soccer City Stadium lit up at night.

Photograph: Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, photograph courtesy of and © mediaclubsouthafrica.com

Johannesburg Links

• Johannesburg Attractions
• Johannesburg Accommodation
• Hotels in Johannesburg
• Hotels in South Africa

Key Matches and Dates

• Friday, 11 June 2010 – Opening Match
• Sunday, 27 June 2010 – Round of 16
• Friday, 2 July 2010 – Quarter Final
• Sunday, 11 July 2010 – Final of the World Cup

First Round Matches at Soccer City Stadium

• Friday 11 June 2010 – South Africa vs Mexico
• Monday 14 June 2010 – Netherlands vs Denmark
• Thursday 17 June 2010 – Argentina vs Korea Republic
• Sunday 20 June 2010 – Brazil vs Ivory Coast
• Wednesday 23 June 2010 – Ghana vs Germany