German Chancellor Angela Merkel is expected in the country this week for a series of meetings with various stakeholders.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is expected in the country this week for a series of meetings with various stakeholders.

Among those that the German leader will meet is President Thabo Mbeki for talks on political, economic and trade issues.

Also expected to be dealt with at length is the 2010 World Cup, where Merkel is expected to pledge their support for South Africa's hosting of the tournament.

This comes after Germans from various sectors, including soccer, promised to send their expertise to help South Africa stage a successful tournament.

Franz Beckenbauer, who was in charge of the 2006 German World Cup, was in South Africa last month where he voiced his support for the country's hosting of the tournament.

After visiting the site where the new Green Point Stadium is being built, Beckenbauer said he was "very, very impressed" by the developments in South Africa.

On Friday, Merkel will also meet members of the 2010 World Cup Local Organising Committee board of directors at Safa House in Nasrec.

After the meeting, Merkel will also be taken to the site where Soccer City is being renovated for the World Cup, before addressing a media briefing.