The USA’s World Cup team arrived Monday at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, after a 17-hour flight from the United States.  It looks like the Americans will have good fan support in South Africa.

“The USA won the hearts of many South Africans when they made it to the final of the FIFA Confederations Cup last year and we welcome them back to South Africa,” said Danny Jordaan, the chief executive of South Africa’s 2010 World Cup Organizing Committee.  Jordaan added, “With over 136,000 tickets already sold to their fans, the USA will be followed by many passionate fans in the coming weeks.”

Photo credit: VOA's Parke Brewer

Perhaps the most passionate U.S. fans are members of “Sam’s Army,” a supporters club that waves American flags and stomps and cheers throughout U.S. men’s national team matches.  I’m sure we’ll see “Sam’s Army” at the USA’s opening World Cup match 12 June against “mother country” England in Rustenburg, South Africa.