Will Mandela be at the final?

Nelson Mandela's attendance at the final of the World Cup on July 11 is uncertain, the World Cup organising committee says.

The 91-year-old anti-apartheid icon had been expected to attend part of the opening game on June 11 in Johannesburg but withdrew after his great grand-daughter was killed in a car crash that morning.

Many are now hoping South Africa's first black president, will make it to the final but the head of the organising committee said the frail statesman's attendance was still undecided.

"It's a decision he will make when he makes it. The only thing we have to do is wait," Jordaan told a press conference.

Mandela, who turns 92 a week after the final, has curtailed his public appearances in recent years, spending most of his time at home with family.

Before the World Cup began, his daughter Zindzi said he was like an "excited child" about the tournament, which is taking place in Africa for the first time this year.

Mandela had campaigned vigorously for South Africa to be granted the right to host the mammoth event.