Johannesburg — THE World Cup show might be unfolding here in South Africa's stadiums, but such is the passion of fans around the globe, to watch the matches in a stadium atmosphere that the Fifa fan parks are turning into an incredible success story.

Fifa has created 16 official fan parks where fans, here in South Africa, and at some locations across the world can go and watch the live transmission of the World Cup action on giant screens at a central place.

There are a number of such fan parks that have also been created in Zimbabwe but they are not part of the official Fifa catalogue.

Yesterday Fifa reported that more than 400 000 fans celebrated together, at the 16 official Fifa fan parks, during the opening day of the 2010 World Cup.

That number was made up of 300 000 fans who gathered at such fan parks here in South Africa alone and another 100 000 who watched the game between South Africa and Mexico at similar venues around the world.

The 100 000 fans were spread across Rome in Italy, Paris in France, Berlin in Germany, Sydney in Australia, Mexico City in Mexico and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil -- the country that will host the next World Cup.

"The biggest spectator groups were counted in Johannesburg with over 75 000 fans attending the Fifa fan fests in Soweto and Sandton," said the world football governing body in a statement.

"In Mexico City 50 000 fans gathered at Zocalo to support the Mexican team.

"Many venues reached their full capacity even before kick-off. The gates to these venues were then closed to guarantee safety for all spectators. No serious security or other incidents were reported.

"The Fifa fan fests were an enormous success story at the 2006 Fifa World Cup Germany, when millions of people of all genders, religions, races and ages watched the matches peacefully together. The official Fifa fan fests continue in 2010 as the recommended alternative for fans if they do not have a ticket to the stadium. They also offer fans around the globe the opportunity to watch all 64 Fifa World Cup matches and feel truly part of the South African Fifa World Cup experience."

The six locations, outside South Africa, which are hosting the Fifa fan parks are the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany, the Les Jardins du Trocadero in Paris, France, Copacabana beach in Rio, Brazil, Zocalo in Mexico City and the Darling Harbour in Sydney, Australia.