 "History Today: When South Africa made history by hosting 2010 Fifa World Cup")
History was scripted on June 11, 2010, when South Africa became the first African nation to host the FIFA World Cup.
This historic event marked a turning point not just for South Africa, but for the entire African continent, symbolising progress, unity and global recognition.
If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers’ ongoing series, History Today will be your one-stop destination to explore key events.
One of the most iconic movies that went on to become a classic, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was released on this day in 1982. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the movie changed the way cinema was perceived forever. Also on this day, the University of Alabama enrolled its first two African American students, Vivian Malone and James Hood, thus ending a long-standing policy of racial segregation.
Here is all that took place on this day across the world.
South Africa becomes first African nation to host the Fifa World Cup
Do you remember grooving to the beats of ‘Waka Waka’ in your living room in 2010?
This song was released for the Fifa World Cup in 2010 when South Africa created history by becoming the first African nation to host it. So on June 11, 2010, the world watched as the event officially kicked off with a colourful opening ceremony at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg.
The announcement had come in May 2004 when Fifa President Sepp Blatter declared South Africa the host of the 2010 World Cup, beating bids from Egypt and Morocco. Under the powerful motto “Ke Nako” (“It’s Time”), the World Cup became more than just a football tournament. It served as a vibrant celebration of Africa's diverse cultures , profound history, and enduring resilience.
To host this monumental event, South Africa poured significant investment into infrastructure, enhancing airports and roads, and constructing state-of-the-art stadiums in nine different cities. A distinct symbol of the tournament’s African flavour was the vuvuzela, a plastic horn passionately sounded by fans throughout the matches.
On the global stage, the tournament was a resounding success, captivating enormous television audiences and drawing hundreds of thousands of fans from around the world. The climax arrived on July 11, 2010, at Soccer City where Spain secured their inaugural World Cup title with a one-zero victory over the Netherlands in the final.
This day is also remembered for giving the world the iconic 'Waka Waka' song, the official song of the 2010 Fifa World Cup. Performed by Colombian singer Shakira at the event’s opening ceremony, it featured the South African band Freshlyground and went on to become a global phenomenon and a defining soundtrack.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial released in US
One of the most defining movies that changed the course of cinema was released on this day in 1982. Directed by Steven Spielberg, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial blended science fiction with heartfelt storytelling, capturing the imaginations and emotions of audiences around the world.
The narrative unfolds as a tender alien finds himself stranded on Earth, leading to an extraordinary bond with a young boy named Elliott, portrayed by Henry Thomas. Alongside his siblings, Elliott embarks on a mission to help E.T. evade pursuing government agents and facilitate his journey back to his home planet. The film resonated globally due to its powerful exploration of themes such as childhood wonder, profound empathy and the innate human longing for connection.
Spielberg’s direction, coupled with John Williams’ emotionally resonant score, elevated the film to more than just a sci-fi adventure. Scenes like the one where Elliott and E.T. soar across the moon on a bicycle have been etched as the lasting symbols of movie magic.
It became the highest-grossing film of all time until Spielberg’s Jurassic Park surpassed it in 1993. It received nine Academy Award nominations, winning four, including Best Original Score and Best Visual Effects. Beyond awards, E.T. changed the way audiences saw science fiction, moving the genre from cold, distant futures to the warmth of suburban homes and human emotion.
The University of Alabama enrols first Black students
June 11, 1963, was the day when the University of Alabama registered its first black students for classes, ending decades of segregation. Vivian Malone and James Hood were the first African American students to be enrolled at the university after federalised Alabama National Guard troops forced Alabama Governor George Wallace to halt his blockade.
George Wallace, who was one of the most controversial politicians in US history, had promised segregation during his inaugural address as the governor of Alabama in 1963. In his speech, he said “Segregation now! Segregation tomorrow! Segregation forever!”
And so when African American students attempted to desegregate the University of Alabama in June 1963, Wallace stood defiantly at the entrance of Foster Auditorium at the university’s Tuscaloosa campus to physically block the students from entering, a confrontation now remembered as the “Stand in the Schoolhouse Door.” In response, President John F Kennedy federalised the Alabama National Guard. General Henry V Graham then ordered Wallace to step aside, which he eventually did, allowing Malone and Hood to register for classes.
This event not only forced the University of Alabama to open its doors to Black students but also sent a powerful message across the country, the federal government would uphold civil rights laws, even against determined state resistance.
This Day, That Year
On this day in 2002, the reality competition TV series American Idol debuted.
Capping a dramatic recovery from a near-fatal automobile accident, American golfer Ben Hogan won the US Open on this day in 1950.
American aviator Charles Lindbergh was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross by US President Calvin Coolidge in 1927.
On this day in 1898, the Guangxu emperor of China issued his first reform decree initiating the Hundred Days of Reform.
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