The South African government says former president Nelson Mandela will attend the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup next week.
Sports minister Makhenkesi Stofile says Mr Mandela has requested tickets for the opening and closing events.
Previously, the Mandela family said he was too frail to attend the tournament.
Mr Mandela, who will be 92 next month, campaigned for the World Cup to come to South Africa.
The event begins on 11 June.
