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SOUTH AFRICA makes history today as it becomes the first African country to host the World Cup. The moment South Africa has been waiting for has finally arrived: the start of the continent's first ever World Cup.
When football's world governing body, Fifa, awarded the tournament to the Rainbow Nation in 2004, sceptics said it had made a mistake, pointing to poor infrastructure and high levels of crime.
But work at the 10 host stadiums was finished on time while infrastructure projects are up and running, including Africa's first high-speed rail link.
The country has embraced the tournament with almost religious fervour, despite having the lowest Fifa-ranked team of any host nation since records began.
And no less a figure than former president Nelson Mandela has said he thinks the tournament has the power to bridge the divisions that still remain in South African society.
"The 2010 World Cup is more than just a simple game," he said in a message to Fifa.
"It symbolises the power of football to bring people together regardless of their language, colour of their skin, their politics or religion."
Mr Mandela, now 91, was due to attend the opening ceremony at Soccer City in Johannesburg this afternoon.
But he has cancelled after the death of his 13-year-old great-granddaughter in a car crash as she was travelling home from the World Cup concert in Soweto on Thursday night.
Other VIPs expected include US Vice President Joe Biden, Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe.
The tournament kicks off at 3pm with the hosts tackling Mexico, followed later by Uruguay against the 1998 champions France.
Millions of TV viewers around the world watched the Soweto concert, which featured Shakira and the Black Eyed Peas.
It was held at the Orlando stadium, home to the Orlando Pirates, a team that became a symbol of the fight against apartheid.
Some 300,000 foreign fans are expected in South Africa for the tournament.
Among those already here, soaking up the atmosphere in Nelson Mandela Square, Johannesburg, were Linda and Jimmy Miller, from Melbourne, Australia.
The couple tied the knot a year ago and waited until the tournament to come over for their honeymoon.
