Many South Africans believe so and the stock market here has risen on the belief that huge investment in the construction and tourism industries will follow.

Nelson Mandela's international appeal is considered a major factor

South Africa has run its bid campaign partly on the country's need for such investment and development and has tried hard to claim the moral high ground.

Soccer-mad Africa must host the tournament, it says, and none other than former president, Nelson Mandela, has been ringing round voting nations to put the pressure on.

Celebrations are planned across South Africa.

In the capital, Pretoria, the result will be relayed live on a giant television screen to a waiting crowd.

There will be drum majorettes, traditional dancers performing, and 2006 individual balloons will be released in celebration of, it is hoped here, South Africa's arrival on the international football stage.