Being part of a major sporting event is an experience that comparatively few of us experience - but one which lives with us for the rest of our lives. Having traveled in 2006 to the World Cup Finals in Germany, I would strongly recommend going to football's most prestigious tournament if you are lucky enough to get the chance.
Unfortunately, obtaining tickets for the World Cup Finals is easier said than done. The next World Cup will be held in South Africa in 2010. To make the tournament more accessible to the local South African community, FIFA have taken the unprecedented step of making 120,000 tickets available for free to the local people. These tickets will cover all rounds of the competition, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final itself.
Naturally, this greatly reduces the amount of tickets available to the general public, however given that the ten stadiums being used for the tournament hold an average of around 50,000 people per match, there are still going to be plenty of tickets available to supporters.
FIFA have created four categories of tickets for the 2010 Finals, with an average ticket price of around $139. This is roughly the same as the average price for the 2006 Finals in Germany. The cheapest tickets (category 4) will be available for only $20, but will be exclusive to the South African public to give them an opportunity to experience the tournament. The maximum price will be $900 which will be the cost of a category 1 ticket to the 2010 World Cup Final. Although the price is excessive, if you can afford it then it is well worth paying because it will be a once in a lifetime experience.
The first chance to get your hands on tickets for the 2010 World Cup Finals will be in June 2008. However, these will be exclusive to the South African market, who will have priority to secure priceless 2010 World Cup final tickets, before the general public sale begins in September.
These will not be "normal" tickets though but rather "packages", which will include hospitality, travel and accommodation. MATCH Hospitality secured FIFA hospitality rights to the 2010 World Cup finals and will be responsible for all hospitality packages for the tournament finals. A standard packages will include a match ticket, hospitality services, parking, special access and entertainment. A full hospitality package could include accommodation, transport, tours and possibly flights.
Purchasing a hospitality package would be the perfect way to enjoy the World Cup Finals. However, if this is out with your budget you may prefer to purchase a standard match ticket for the finals. These tickets will go on sale in February 2009. FIFA will organize a public sale for these tickets. In keeping with previous tournaments, there will be a short window of opportunity to register your interest to purchase a 2010 World Cup ticket. A ballot will then be held with the lucky participants given a deadline to complete the purchase. "Rejected" tickets are then put into a second round of ballot.
Also for the first time since the 1998 World Cup in France tickets are also being distributed to worldwide travel companies so that they can arrange special travel packages.
Due to the short window FIFA allow to apply for tickets, it is vital that you are organized and know exactly when this window will open. We would recommend signing up for our email notification service, which will inform you when tickets are available to purchase. You should also read our 2010 World Cup Guide, which includes details on cities, stadiums and travel information - helping you pick out your preferred destination to maximize your experience.
Going to a major tournament is not just about the match you will see. It is about the whole experience - the atmosphere at the game and in and around the time, the experience of visiting a new city and experiencing the local culture at it's most vibrant and being part of such a major event which captures the imagination of the whole world. There's always another time for the normal holiday that you would go on - why not try something special and get yourself a ticket for the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa and enjoy the experience of a lifetime!
Unfortunately, obtaining tickets for the World Cup Finals is easier said than done. The next World Cup will be held in South Africa in 2010. To make the tournament more accessible to the local South African community, FIFA have taken the unprecedented step of making 120,000 tickets available for free to the local people. These tickets will cover all rounds of the competition, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final itself.
Naturally, this greatly reduces the amount of tickets available to the general public, however given that the ten stadiums being used for the tournament hold an average of around 50,000 people per match, there are still going to be plenty of tickets available to supporters.
FIFA have created four categories of tickets for the 2010 Finals, with an average ticket price of around $139. This is roughly the same as the average price for the 2006 Finals in Germany. The cheapest tickets (category 4) will be available for only $20, but will be exclusive to the South African public to give them an opportunity to experience the tournament. The maximum price will be $900 which will be the cost of a category 1 ticket to the 2010 World Cup Final. Although the price is excessive, if you can afford it then it is well worth paying because it will be a once in a lifetime experience.
The first chance to get your hands on tickets for the 2010 World Cup Finals will be in June 2008. However, these will be exclusive to the South African market, who will have priority to secure priceless 2010 World Cup final tickets, before the general public sale begins in September.
These will not be "normal" tickets though but rather "packages", which will include hospitality, travel and accommodation. MATCH Hospitality secured FIFA hospitality rights to the 2010 World Cup finals and will be responsible for all hospitality packages for the tournament finals. A standard packages will include a match ticket, hospitality services, parking, special access and entertainment. A full hospitality package could include accommodation, transport, tours and possibly flights.
Purchasing a hospitality package would be the perfect way to enjoy the World Cup Finals. However, if this is out with your budget you may prefer to purchase a standard match ticket for the finals. These tickets will go on sale in February 2009. FIFA will organize a public sale for these tickets. In keeping with previous tournaments, there will be a short window of opportunity to register your interest to purchase a 2010 World Cup ticket. A ballot will then be held with the lucky participants given a deadline to complete the purchase. "Rejected" tickets are then put into a second round of ballot.
Also for the first time since the 1998 World Cup in France tickets are also being distributed to worldwide travel companies so that they can arrange special travel packages.
Due to the short window FIFA allow to apply for tickets, it is vital that you are organized and know exactly when this window will open. We would recommend signing up for our email notification service, which will inform you when tickets are available to purchase. You should also read our 2010 World Cup Guide, which includes details on cities, stadiums and travel information - helping you pick out your preferred destination to maximize your experience.
Going to a major tournament is not just about the match you will see. It is about the whole experience - the atmosphere at the game and in and around the time, the experience of visiting a new city and experiencing the local culture at it's most vibrant and being part of such a major event which captures the imagination of the whole world. There's always another time for the normal holiday that you would go on - why not try something special and get yourself a ticket for the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa and enjoy the experience of a lifetime!
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