Accra, June 12, GNA - More than 400,000 fans celebrated together at the 16 official FIFA Fan FestT venues yesterday, as the 2010 FIFA World Cup South AfricaT got underway.

The Opening Match between South Africa and Mexico was followed by 300,000 enthusiasts at the official FIFA Fan Fests in the host nation, while, between them, Rome, Paris, Berlin, Sydney, Mexico City and Rio de Janeiro had 100,000 supporters. The largest spectator groups were at the FIFA Fan Fests in Johannesb urg and Soweto, with over 75,000 apiece. In Mexico City, meanwhile, 50,000 gathered at Zocalo to support El Tri against Bafana Bafana.

Many venues reached their full capacity even before kick-off. The ga tes to these venues were then closed to guarantee safety for all spectators. The FIFA Fan Fests were an enormous success story at Germany 2006, w hen millions of people of all genders, religions, races and ages watched the matches peacefully together.

The official FIFA Fan Fests are continuing in 2010 as the recommende d alternative for fans who do not have a ticket to the stadium. They also offer supporters around the globe the opportunity to watch all 64 South Africa 2010 matches and feel truly part of the tournament. FIFA Fan Fest South Africa

The organisers in the different venues will use local media to info rm the fans in case the venue has reached its maximum capacity, and fans are

advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment as much as possible.