Enthusiasm for Africa's World Cup is growing around the globe, even in a country where soccer does not rank highly in the national psyche. The United States has purchased the most number of tickets for the FIFA spectacle. To date, 116 000 tickets from the US have been purchased - due to the aggressive nature the World Cup and the country has been promoted in North America.

Apart from the host nation, South Africa - the US leads the number of ticket sales globally - followed by the bigger soccer loving nations of the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany and Mexico.

"It is an excuse for us Americans to go have a big party and finally see Africa because most Americans will save money for five years and always put the Africa trip off - maybe for retirement. Now with soccer they are going: Heck no, Africa is not going to get another World Cup. We have got to go and let us do our Safari at the same time," says FIFA accredited tour operator Terry Von Guilleaume.

A major drawcard

The South African stands at the recent New York Times Travel show had pride of place - the World Cup evidently a major draw card. Even South Africa's deputy Tourism Minister, Tokozile Xasa stopped by to woo those still undecided.

"South Africa is ready to host the 2010 World Cup - we have put everything in place, the infrastructure is ready. We are finalising the road networks and the buses, we are even training the drivers of the buses, not only offering transport but selling the attractions because we have improved our products," says Xasa.

However, some negative perceptions about Africa remain although concerns about security and readiness continue to be rebuffed by FIFA executives. Getting to South Africa is a 16 hour trip so  for most Americans the idea is to do a little more than just watch soccer.

The World Cup is set to take place from June 11 to July 11.