The Nobel laureate last made a public appearance on a major stage when South Africa hosted the 2010 World Cup soccer tournament.

NPR: South Africa: Mandela In Hospital For Tests

Uganda, where twin bomb blasts last year killed about 80 people during the World Cup soccer tournament in South Africa, put its security forces on high alert.

WSJ: Nations Brace for Retaliation After Osama Bin Laden's Death

"I have absolutely no doubt that we will honour our undertaking to Fifa and the world community of soccer players and lovers to create all the necessary conditions for the holding of the best ever Fifa Soccer World Cup tournament, " he said.

BBC: 'No doubts' over World Cup in SA

Portsmouth defender Aaron Makoena - who became the first South African to reach 100 caps in the 5-0 friendly win over Guatemala on Monday - was also picked by the World Cup hosts, who open the tournament at Soccer City against Mexico in a Group A clash on 11 June.

BBC: World Cup 2010: Benni McCarthy dropped by South Africa

World Cup co-host nation Japan decided not to extend the lottery it runs on its domestic soccer league to the tournament.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Failing to qualify for next year's World Cup in Brazil would be devastating for the U.S. soccer faithful who have watched their side play in every tournament since 1990.

WSJ: U.S. Soccer Could Use a Good Crisis