Over 15,000 people have applied to be volunteers for the World Cup, which kicks off in less than a year and you still have a chance to apply if you are interested in getting up close to the event. If you are interested in volunteering for the 2010 World Cup you can either ring 0800 52 52 52, if you are in South Africa or you can email volunteerprogramme@2010oc.com (mailto:volunteerprogramme@2010oc.com) for further information and details on how to apply.

As South Africa enters its final year of preparation before the kick-off of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, hotel bookings in Cape Town are fast gaining momentum with tourists from South and Central America currently leading the way - despite early predictions of a slump due to the effect of the global economic crisis. The latest example of this increasing positive sentiment is the recording of pre-bookings of almost 80% by predominately Brazilian and Mexican tourists at yet-to-be-opened R400 million five star luxury hotel and spa, Pepper Club (http://www.solomonholdings.com/pepperclub.htm) -

Just under a year away but teams are starting to confirm attendance at the event that will kick off in Johannesburg on June 11th. South Africa, as host, are confirmed but they've also been joined by Japan, Australia, South Korea, North Korea and Netherlands.

Twelve of South Africa's neighbours have pledged to supply electricity to help prevent power cuts during the World Cup which is due to kick off next year.

If you are not one of the lucky few hundred thousand that will be watching a World Cup live in South Africa next year, don't worry, there is a chance you'll be able to watch the football, or clips anyway, as the match unfolds. FIFA TV Director Niclas Ericson said the new mobile viewing option was aimed specifically at supporters who do not have access to a television when the match is on.

The World Cup might still be over a year away, but your first chance to apply for tickets will soon be gone, unless you want to pay silly money to ticket touts or websites with promises of getting tickets and maybe not getting them. You have until March 31st to apply on the FIFA website here (http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/ticketing/applyfor/index.html).

Bids for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups are now in and there is no surprise that England have applied for both and every team that registered an interest back in February have sent in their bid registration forms.

A senior government official has said this week that South Africa needs more money to help promote the World Cup in South Africa, taking place next year.

As of today, you can apply for tickets to the 2010 World Cup taking place next year in South Africa. All you have to do is click here (http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/ticketing/applyfor/index.html) and you'll be taken to the page at FIFA.com where you need to login (register for an account if you don't have one) and register your interest.

Tickets for the 2010 World Cup will go on sale, sort of, from tomorrow. When I say 'sort of', I mean it's a ballot, you're not going to be actually able to buy the tickets, you're sort of entering a lottery to get a ticket. We do not have a link as of yet to where you can buy these but thee will be something here tomorrow and there will be a link from the FIFA website (http://www.fifa.com). The ballot opens at 11am GMT but it's not about first come first served, so if the site doesn't respond, just go...