South African president Jacob Zuma tonight dedicated the first World Cup on African soil to Nelson Mandela..
There is hope among FIFA and South Africans generally that the 91-year-old - the first democratically-elected president of South Africa when he came to power in 1994 - will be well enough to attend at least part of the opening match of the World Cup between the hosts and Mexico on Friday.
President Zuma hailed Mandela's role in securing the right to host the finals back in May 2004.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 60th FIFA Congress this evening, he said: "Nelson Mandela worked hard that we should win the right to host this tournament. We dedicate the World Cup to him.
"There are a few moments that define a nation's history. We stand on the threshold of one as we draw closer and closer to Friday, June 11 when the World Cup officially begins.
"What an honour and what a privilege for this 16-year-old democracy. Our country has become a stage for the international community to celebrate humanity, achievement and friendship.
"We would like to thank FIFA for their constant support. You refused to believe the pessimists who said South Africa would not be able to host this tournament."
Zuma also relayed a message sent to him from Mandela, which read: "Today marks yet another significant day in the history of South Africa's democracy.
"We know that as ambassadors of the 208 (member association) countries you represent you will reaffirm our message against racism. We wish you every success in your deliberations."
FIFA president Sepp Blatter said Friday's opening match would be the culmination of a "love story" between him, his organisation and the African continent.
"We started a love story because we trusted Africa, we have confidence in Africa and that is why we have decided to host the World Cup in South Africa," he said.
"If you have had the opportunity to be in the region of Sandton yesterday or today then you will have realised that the fan-fest is already on.
"If somebody still has a doubt that the World Cup is not connecting people in Africa, then come and look at this."
Blatter was proud of the role FIFA has played in South Africa over the years, from the expulsion of the old apartheid national association in 1976 through to the re-acceptance of a newly-constituted South African Football Association in 1992 - two years before the first democratic elections.
Tomorrow marks the start of the Congress itself, when the 208 member associations of FIFA will vote on a number of issues put forward for discussion.
Not on the agenda but clearly in people's thoughts is the bidding for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, with bid committees taking the chance to lobby association officials in an Expo fair after the Congress breaks up.
The hosting rights for 2018 and 2022 will be decided at a FIFA executive committee meeting in December.