South Africa is finalizing preparations for the FIFA Confederations Cup soccer tournament, which will take place from June 14-28 and is seen as a test run for next year’s World Cup finals. Eight of the top teams in the world will take place in the tournament, including World Cup champions Italy, European champions Spain and other continental champions.
Two groups of four teams will compete, with the top two teams in each group moving to the semifinals and then finals. Group A consists of Iraq, New Zealand, South Africa and Spain, while Group B has Italy, the United States, Egypt and Brazil. The games will take place in four locations around the country: Johannesburg, Rustenburg, Pretoria and Mangaung/Bloemfontein. The tournament provides opportunities for everyone to get a peek at South Africa; the organizers get a test run for next summer’s World Cup Finals, the fans can see the country and what it has to offer, and the teams get some top-notch competition in the host country.
While many people know of Johannesburg, the financial and business capital of southern Africa, and Pretoria, the capital city, the other cities have much to offer first time visitors. Rustenburg is the heart of the savannah bushveld in the North WestProvince, nestled at the foothills of the MagaliesburgMountains. In the interior of the country is Mangaung/Bloemfontein, which is the capital of the Free StateProvince. Pretoria is the capital of the country and has plenty of diplomats, museums and monuments for visitors.
The Confederations Cup is an excellent opportunity to see the country and enjoy its well-known hospitality.
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