Some 216,975 ticket applications for the 2010 soccer World Cup had been received from 125 countries and regions by Saturday, FIFA said.

"These are fantastic numbers, underlining yet again the fervor taking hold around the world for the 2010 World Cup, the first on the African continent," said Chairman of the FIFA ticketing Sub- committee, David Will.

He said the numbers -- which include only online- applications via Fifa's website and not those handed in via First National Bank branches -- indicated that the 'football family' want to be part of the event.

The greatest application for tickets thus far has come from South Africans, followed by applicants from Britain, the United States, Germany, Brazil, Australia, Japan, Mexico, Canada, Switzerland, Ireland, Netherlands, Spain and Argentina.

Tickets went on sale on Friday.

(Xinhua News Agency February 22, 2009)