If you want to watch Team USA in the 2010 Soccer World Cup, you should look into buying a package now. The World Cup will take place in South Africa from June 11 - July 11. The matches will be played out in 10 stadiums across South Africa, a country almost double the size of Texas. There are three official FIFA designated tour companies that have World Cup tickets to Team USA matches. They are: Destination Southern Africa, Cartan Tours and Great Atlantic Travel.


Team USA will play England (in Rustenburg on June 12), Slovenia (in Johannesburg on 18 June) and Algeria (in Pretoria on 23 June) in the first round of the World Cup tournament. For tickets only to these matches, apply on FIFA's web site by January 13th, 2010.

The Benefits of Going With a Tour Operator

Tour operators have official match tickets, deals with the airlines, and blocked hotel accommodations. With over half a million visitors expected to be in South Africa during the 2010 World Cup, the hotel situation will be tricky. Domestic flights will also fill up quickly, and you'll need to fly in order to get from one stadium to another to follow your team. International flights will also be extremely difficult to purchase for a reasonable fare, although Emirates still has seats available for under $2400.
Tour companies like Destination Southern Africa has guaranteed seats on South African Airlines for dates throughout the World Cup tournament. The price for a roundtrip airfare to fly direct from NY or Washington DC starts at $2482, excluding taxes (add about $500 to that).

Other designated tour operators will also have deals with airlines you can take advantage of. The prices will be higher than normal (they're usually around $1200), but SAA's fares for World Cup dates are now over $4000.00.

Can I Use Air Miles?

Tour operators will sell match tickets and accommodations, even if you use miles for your flight. However, it's unlikely that you'll be able to use your miles during the World Cup.

Can I Get Match Tickets for Other Teams?

The US designated 2010 World Cup tour operators can only sell tickets for Team USA. The good news is they do of course have some tickets for the Quarter Final, Semi Final, and Final matches just in case the US makes it that far. If you have bought a ticket for the semi-final through a US operator, and the US doesn't make it, you still get to go to the game.
The general rule for the latter stages of the tournament with regards to team tickets is you get to see the team in the same group as the US if the US don't make it. Business VIP Match tickets are also available from the official FIFA-endorsed tour operators. These tickets allow the customer to specify the venue and date. So, while you may not know who is playing, it makes it much easier to plan your trip to South Africa in advance. These tickets are more expensive than a team ticket, but a good deal if you are not too worried about which team is playing.

I Got Match Tickets Through FIFA -- Can I still Book A Tour?

Yes, tour operators can still find you accommodation and flights if you already have match tickets.

Can I Purchase Just a Match Ticket from a Tour Operator?

Tour operators have to sell a package along with a match ticket, they can't just sell the match ticket on its own, for that you have to apply direct with FIFA.

What Does a Basic Tour Look Like?

The most basic tour offered includes the international flight, 1 match ticket, 5 nights accommodation in Johannesburg (from where you can access 5 stadiums within an easy day drive), a sightseeing tour for a day or so and transfers to and from matches. These start at around $3500, but do not include all costs since the transfers may fluctuate depending on the draw. Other basic options will include a stay in both Cape Town and Johannesburg. You will have to factor in a domestic flight, since these two cities are about 900 miles apart. Click here for a map of where the stadiums are located in South Africa.

Can I Customize My Itinerary?

The 2010 World Cup tours are handy for pricing out itineraries, but you may want to customize your trip and add in a few of South Africa's sights, epecially if you're not necessarily a soccer fanatic, but would like the chance of seeing just one or two matches during a vacation in South Africa. If your trip is just about soccer and watching matches, you can book through any of the three designated tour operators. If you wish to enjoy a great vacation in South Africa as well as enjoying the World Cup, use Destination Southern Africa to customize your World Cup trip. They specialize in South African vacations and customizing your trip may even be cheaper than buying a set package.

When is the Best Time to Book My World Cup Tour?

The 2010 World Cup is one event where last-minute specials just won't exist. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will get.

Any Early Bird Specials?

Destination Southern Africa is offering a 20-night South African itinerary for as low as $8880. That includes three first-round Team USA World Cup tickets, international airfare, accommodation in Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and Durban. Contact them directly for details.