Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison for anti-apartheid activities, was South Africa's first democratically elected president from 1994-1999.

At Thursday's briefing FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said over 1 million tourists visited South Africa in June.

"At least a third of those came to watch the World Cup," he said, according to the South African Press Association (SAPA).

Irvin Khoza, chairman of South Africa's FIFA 2010 Local Organizing Committee (LOC) said the number of tourists had far exceeded expectations.

Blatter praised way the tournament had been organized. "We have had 62 of the 64 games so far and the tournament has been a great success. Both South Africa and Africa can be proud of their achievements by successfully staging this wonderful event."

Referring to the new stadiums built and those renovated for the matches, Blatter said: "There is not one single country in Europe that has such world class stadiums as South Africa. The stadiums are jewels. They are superbly built and every fan inside has a good view of the action on the pitch."

According to SAPA, Blatter supported the idea that South Africa could hosting the Olympic Games in 2020.

"If a country can host the World Cup they can host the Summer Olympics. I will tell the IOC (International Olympic Committee) that South Africa is ready to host the Summer Olympics."