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

WASHINGTON - The White House would not confirm on Monday that US President Barack Obama will attend 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 US president had accepted an invitation to attend the opening next year.

"Hopefully his schedule will allow him to attend," Blatter said.

White House spokesperson Robert Gibbs could not yet say whether Obama would attend, but as a former college goalkeeper, Gibbs sounded like he couldn't wait for the possible trip.

"I asked specifically. in order to get my seat early," Gibbs said.

"The president has accepted a meeting with [Blatter], but we have not yet made plans."

The first match is likely to feature either South Africa or Italy. - Sapa-AFP