Visa’s making a big play for the US fans following the United States’ Qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

“Qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup is something the entire United States can celebrate and enjoy,” said Richelle Parham, Head of Global Marketing Services of Visa Inc. “Visa is committed to enhancing the football fan’s entire FIFA World Cup™ experience. For those fans who want to attend the tournament, we want to make sure they are fully informed and prepared when it comes to purchasing tickets.”

Thanks to Andrea for the heads up…..

For those who wish to join their team in South Africa, there are three ways to purchase tickets for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.
1. Tickets can be purchased through FIFA’s Tour Operators Program at one of more than 50 participating tour operators.
2. Through MATCH Hospitality, FIFA’s worldwide exclusive Official Hospitality Programmme provider for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. Hospitality Packages including match tickets are sold for all 64 2010 FIFA World Cup™ matches.
3. For fans looking to follow their country during the duration of the event, there is a Team Specific Ticket Series packages available for purchase.

For all methods of purchase, tickets are subject to availability.

To apply for tickets through the FIFA website, fans can visit the ticketing page at www.fifa.com, or view a full list of official participating tour operators which can be found at http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/ticketing/01/03/02/39/pto_5.8.2009.pdf.

Corporate customers can purchase hospitality packages that include a 2010 FIFA World Cup™ match ticket with certain onsite match-day hospitality services which may include food, beverages and preferential parking. Travel and accommodation are not included in the hospitality packages but they are available upon request. Customers can learn more about hospitality packages by visiting www.FIFA.com/hospitality.

Visa has also created an exclusive opportunity for those passionate and lucky soccer fans whose team advances to the FIFA World Cup™ Final Match. Visa and Emirates Airline are offering Visa Signature cardholders an exclusive five (5) percent discount on FIFA World Cup™ Final Match packages when they book through Emirates Airline at www.emirates.com/visafifapackages. A total of 100 (two person) packages are being offered worldwide and will remain available until February 28, 2010, or until packages sell out. Each package includes roundtrip airfare from an Emirates gateway city (economy, business or first class) via Dubai to Johannesburg and two Category 1 match tickets for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Final Match at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. To ensure Visa cardholders have the opportunity to truly immerse themselves in the FIFA World Cup™ experience, additional package amenities include: transportation to/from the airport and hotel, and a three night hotel stay.

Fans should be cautious of unauthorized operators claiming to sell tickets to the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. Tickets to the tournament can only be sold by companies that are commercially affiliated with FIFA. A full list of official FIFA Sponsors and Commercial Affiliates can be found through the Authorized Ticket Sales Channel page on FIFA.com located at: http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/marketingtv/partners/fifapartners.html .

When looking for accommodations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, fans can visit hotels.fifa.com to search for available rooms in cities throughout South Africa as well as neighboring countries. For information on travel or sites to see while visiting South Africa, fans can visit South Africa’s official tourism website, http://www.southafrica.net/.

Image via Maropeng