 Nelson Mandela will be on a video link during the party in Berlin |
As the 2006 World Cup in Germany reaches a climax, some eyes are already turning to the next one in South Africa in four years time. Organisers are hoping the first World Cup to be played on African soil will produce 'Football for a Better World' and Fifa will flag up preparations on Friday at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate.
High-ranking dignitaries will include UN secretary general Kofi Annan, South African President, Thabo Mbeki, Fifa chief Sepp Blatter and German legend Franz Beckenbauer.
Former South African President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela will also send a live video message to the "Football for a Better World - From Germany to South Africa" gathering.
Fifa is dubbing the festivities in Berlin as "the biggest single football party ever," comprising six hours of football and music.
Several German music stars will be playing as will top hip hop names Sean Paul and Wyclef Jean, along with African music legend Youssou N'Dour.
N'Dour's band includes African artists including Angelique Kidjo, Tiken Jah Fakoly, Vusi Mahlasela, MC Solaar and Rokia Traore.
Representing the football world will be several African greats, among them Liberia's George Weah, Cameroonians Roger Milla and Abedi Pele of Ghana.
Fifa will also use the event as an opportunity to publicise its "6 villages for 2006" charity campaign in conjunction with SOS Children's Villages.
The project is designed to create six new children's villages in Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa, Ukraine, and Vietnam.
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