Weather for World Cup Opening Matches
The 2010 FIFA World Cup kicks off Friday, and the first two days of the tournament should be played in mostly pleasant weather, although rain may threaten one match Saturday.
Friday's matches
South Africa vs. Mexico
Host country South Africa takes on Mexico in Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg at 4 p.m. local time (10 a.m. EST). Some clouds and sun is expected, with a game time temperature of 60 degrees F (16 C). Winds will be north at 8-15 mph.
Uruguay vs. France
The Friday evening match will be across the country in Cape Town at 8:30 p.m. local time (2:30 EDT). Uruguay will take on France in a clear to partly cloudy nighttime sky, with 56 F (13 C) expected at game time. Winds should be a slight breeze of 4-8 mph.
Saturday's matches
South Korea vs. Greece
A storm moving up the east coast of South Africa Friday will bring showers to Port Elizabeth, where Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will host Saturday's Group B match at 1:30 p.m. local time (7:30 a.m. EDT).
AccuWeather.com meteorologists see the storm moving away from the area this weekend, but some showers or drizzle will remain at game time. The game time temperature will be 61 F (15 C) with winds NE at 7-14 mph.
Argentina vs. Nigeria
Elsewhere in the nation, conditions should be very favorable for soccer. Johannesburg's Ellis Park hosts another Group B match with a sunny, pleasant 61 F (15 C) with 6-12 mph winds expected at game time.
England vs. United States
The anticipated Group C opening match will take place outside of Rustenburg, where an equally sunny and pleasant day will give way to a comfortable, clear evening with a game time temperature of 57 F (24 C) and 6-12 mph winds.
