South Africa gears up for World Cup kick off

The day that football fans all over the globe have been waiting for has finally arrived – at 16:00 (local time) in Johannesburg the opening game of the World Cup will start.Hosts South Africa will take on Mexico in the first match of the month-long tournament.

Anyone who booked flights to South Africa ahead of the event will no doubt be soaking up the atmosphere in the country.

People arriving in the nation later in the tournament may be interested in some tips from one national newspaper about some of the best sports bars in Johannesburg.

According to the Guardian, anyone who does not have tickets for the matches should head to Giles, which offers good food in its restaurants, as well as TVs for all the matches.

One international team that should receive a boost this week are the Australian Socceroos.

Actor John Travolta is set to visit the side during a five-day trip to South Africa in his role as a global goodwill ambassador for Qantas.

Written by Erin Marshall