The burst of activity in downtown Cape Town is mirrored the length and breadth of South Africa as the country gears up for the World Cup, building new road and rail links, expanding airports and erecting hotels for more than 350,000 visitors.

South Africa will be ready - and safe - for the world for the first match June 11, 2010 kicking off a monthlong international party, government leaders insist on a daily basis, a refrain echoed by FIFA, soccer's governing body. Organizers point out that the country has hosted rugby and cricket World Cups and major international conferences. But doubts persist.