International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge said London is ready to host the 2012 Olympic Games on Friday, just hours before the start of the world's largest sporting extravaganza.

"This morning we had a meeting with LOCOG and reviewed all the operational items, and I can say with pleasure that London is ready and we are eagerly waiting for the opening ceremony," Rogge said.

The Games will get underway Friday night with an opening ceremony directed by Oscar-winning British director Danny Boyle at the 80,000-seat Olympic stadium.

Rogge said he believes London's preparations for the Games are on a par with Sydney in 2000 and Beijing in 2008, but added that a final judgement will not be given until the event was over.

"In terms of readiness, these Games equal the readiness of Sydney and Beijing but the proof of the pudding is in the eating," said the IOC chief.

"Ask me the same question at the closing ceremony press conference."