WASHINGTON, June 22, 2009 - The White House would not confirm Monday that President Barack Obama will head for the 2010 World Cup, but top aides already seemed to be sizing up tickets for the opening ceremony and first match.

Earlier, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said the president had accepted an invitation to attend the opening of the world football extravaganza next year.

"You know that heads of state are extremely busy and hopefully his schedule will allow him to attend," Blatter told reporters in Johannesburg.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said he could not yet say whether Obama would go to the event, but as a former college soccer goalkeeper, sounded like he couldn't wait for the possible trip.

"I asked specifically... in order to get my seat early," Gibbs said at his daily briefing.

"I'm told from scheduling that the president has accepted a meeting with the head of FIFA World Cup, but we have not yet altogether made plans.

"I can assure you that a small group of us have assembled in order to move the president in that direction."

The opening ceremony for the 2010 World Cup will be at the new 100,000-seat Soccer City stadium on the outskirts of Soweto. The match is likely to feature either hosts South Africa or defending world champions Italy.

--AFP