Thousands of fans began a World Cup party on the streets of Cape Town today before the draw for the most-watched sporting spectacle.

At the main party venue, the city's trendy Long Street, local and foreign fans, many with flags of their favourite teams painted on their faces, thronged the bars and restaurants.

A huge television screen was set up to show the draw, to be presented by South African actress Charlize Theron, to the excited crowds.

The ceremony, which will end the suspense over who the 32 qualifying teams will play and where, is expected to be watched on television by 250 million people in 200 countries.

"This is the first time I've been to South Africa and I'm finding it very cool," said Thomas Beltlwieser, a 31-year-old from Munich.

"We are already having a great time and meeting people from around the world. The locals are friendly and we feel safe but we have to be safety conscious."

South Africa is one of the world's most dangerous places outside a war zone and the government has taken extraordinary measures to ensure visitors are safe during the draw and next year's month-long event starting on 11 June.

"This draw and the World Cup means a lot for Africa, the world's poorest continent," said Zimbabwean artist Godfrey Dambuleni who was walking around with his own World Cup trophy made of tin and held together with wire.