South Africa boasts 10 venues for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, from northern Polokwane to southern Cape Town, several of which have been built or redeveloped especially for the tournament. We take a look at the ten selected venues…

Soccer City – Johannesburg

Considered one of the most innovative, breathtaking football venues in Africa, the newly-reconstructed Soccer City Stadium is situated in the south west of Johannesburg, near the township of Soweto, home to some 40% of the residents of the city.

Its immediacy to this football mad area will ensure the 95,000 capacity stadium sees plenty of action during the finals. Built in 1987, it was the first international football stadium in the country and has hosted many important matches. Perhaps the most memorable of these was the 1996 African Cup of Nations final, which saw the South African national side defeat Tunisia 2-0. It will host the opening match of the 2010 World Cup, scheduled for June 11th and the final, scheduled for July 11th, along with last 16 and quarter-final fixtures, making 8 in total.

Ellis Park Stadium – Johannesburg

The Ellis Park Stadium is located in the centre of Johannesburg.

Originally built in 1928, it was demolished and rebuilt in 1982. It has hosted numerous, memorable sporting contests, including South Africa’s shock win over the All-Blacks to lift the 1995 Rugby World Cup shortly after being welcomed back into the sport.

The stadium underwent extensive refurbishment prior to the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, with a new tier on the north stand which increased the seating capacity to 62,000 for the Brazil v USA final. The Ellis Park Stadium has been allocated 7 fixtures for the 2010 World Cup Finals, including last 16 and quarter-final matches.

Green Point Stadium – Cape Town

The newly-built Green Point Stadium, with a capacity of 70,000, is situated in one of the much sought-after areas in the city of Cape Town.

It has replaced the previous, far smaller stadium which was demolished in 2007. The new ground, built on a former golf course, is ideally situated just a short walk from public transport links.

The Green Point Stadium has an allocation of 8 fixtures for the 2010 finals, including a first-day group match, last 16 / quarter-final matches and one of the semi-finals.

Read more about 2010 World Cup Stadiums - Away Grounds