World Cup 2026 South Africa: Schedule, How to Watch & Bafana Bafana Guide

Bafana Bafana is back at the World Cup after 16 years! South Africa qualified in October 2025 with a stunning 3-0 win over Rwanda. The entire nation stands ready to support our team on football’s biggest stage.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be historic. A total of 48 teams compete across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026. South Africa plays in the opening match against Mexico at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

This guide shows you everything about watching and following the tournament from South Africa.

South Africa World Cup 2026 Schedule (Local Time)

South African fans need to understand the time difference. SAST puts us 7 to 9 hours ahead of North America. Most matches kick off between 8pm and 2am South African time.

Bafana Bafana Group Stage Fixtures

South Africa plays in Group A with Mexico, South Korea and a UEFA playoff winner.

MATCH	DATE	OPPONENT	TIME (SAST)	VENUE
1	June 11, 2026	South Africa vs Mexico	10:00 PM	Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
2	June 18, 2026	South Africa vs UEFA Playoff Winner	7:00 PM	Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
3	June 24, 2026	South Africa vs South Korea	4:00 AM	Estadio BBVA, Monterrey

The UEFA Playoff Winner will be Czech Republic, Denmark, Republic of Ireland or North Macedonia. March 2026 determines which team advances.

Match 1 becomes the tournament opener. Bafana Bafana launches the entire World Cup. We faced Mexico in 2010 and drew 1-1 with that famous Siphiwe Tshabalala goal. The 10pm kickoff works perfectly for South African viewers.

Match 2 offers the best viewing time. The 7pm kickoff is ideal for family watch parties and gathering with friends.

Match 3 requires dedication. The 4am kickoff means true fans need to set their alarms. South Korea reached the Round of 16 in 2022. They bring tough competition.

Tournament Schedule Overview

The group stage runs June 11-27 with four matches daily. The Round of 32 takes place June 29 to July 3. The Round of 16 happens July 5-7. Quarter-finals are scheduled July 9-11. Semi-finals play on July 14-15 at approximately 10pm SAST. The final kicks off July 19 at 10pm SAST at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

How to Watch the World Cup 2026 in South Africa

South African fans have confirmed free viewing options. Additional pay-TV coverage is expected soon.

SABC Free-to-Air Coverage

SABC secured broadcast rights through New World TV. Hollywoodbets partners with SABC for this coverage. This deal brings 34 World Cup matches to South Africans for free.

SABC broadcasts these matches:

The opening match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11. All three Bafana Bafana group stage matches. Both semi-finals. The third-place playoff. The final on July 19. Selected knockout matches throughout the tournament.

You can watch on these channels:

SABC 1 appears on DStv channel 193 and Openview 103. SABC 3 also shows on DStv channel 193 and Openview 103. SABC Sport carries matches too. The SABC Plus streaming app offers free access.

Commentary comes in 11 languages. SABC provides commentary in all South African official languages. You get English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sesotho, Setswana, XiTsonga, SiSwati, Sepedi, Tshivenda and isiNdebele.

Basic requirements apply. You need a standard TV aerial or digital decoder for television broadcasts. The SABC Plus app requires an internet connection.

Pay-TV Coverage Details

Pay-TV broadcast rights for South Africa are being finalized. SuperSport has held exclusive pay-TV rights for previous World Cup tournaments in Sub-Saharan Africa. The broadcaster typically secures agreements with New World TV as the regional rights holder.

SuperSport usually broadcasts all tournament matches on DStv. Previous World Cups required DStv Compact as the minimum package. DStv Compact currently costs R489 per month. DStv Compact Plus costs R659 per month. DStv Premium costs R979 per month. All these packages typically include SuperSport channels.

DStv subscribers should watch for official announcements from SuperSport. MultiChoice will announce coverage details, package requirements and pricing for the 2026 World Cup.

Live Streaming Options for South African Fans

SABC Plus Streaming

The SABC Plus app streams all 34 SABC matches at no cost. You can download the app on iOS or Android devices. Internet access is required. Streaming uses data. A 90-minute match in HD consumes approximately 3GB of data.

DStv Now App

DStv subscribers typically access streaming through the DStv Now app. The app offers live matches, seven-day catch-up and highlights. Premium, Compact Plus and Compact packages allow streaming on three devices at the same time.

Data usage matters for streaming. HD streaming uses 1.5 to 2GB per hour. A full match consumes approximately 3GB. Connect to WiFi whenever possible. This saves mobile data costs.

Mobile networks offer data bundles. Vodacom, MTN and Cell C provide sports streaming bundles. Check with your provider for special World Cup packages.

Showmax Pro Option

Showmax Pro costs R449 per month. The service typically includes live sports content. Check for official confirmation about World Cup 2026 availability as the tournament approaches.

How to Listen to the World Cup 2026 in South Africa

Radio coverage works perfectly for fans on the go.

SABC Radio Network

SABC confirmed comprehensive radio coverage for the 2026 World Cup.

Metro FM provides English commentary for major matches. The station focuses on key fixtures and all Bafana Bafana games.

5FM offers youth-focused coverage. The station combines World Cup commentary with its regular programming style.

Radio 2000 delivers the most comprehensive sports coverage. This station dedicates extensive airtime to World Cup programming.

Regional SABC stations broadcast in various languages. You get commentary in multiple South African languages across different regional stations.

Commercial Radio Stations

947 in Johannesburg covers major matches with live commentary. CapeTalk in Cape Town offers selected fixture coverage. Radio 702 provides sports updates and analysis throughout the tournament.

Digital Radio Access

Stream radio coverage through the SABC Sport website. The TuneIn app provides access to multiple stations. Individual station apps also offer live streaming. Radio uses minimal data compared to video streaming. This makes it perfect for data-conscious fans.

Bafana Bafana World Cup History & Record

1998 France – First Appearance

South Africa made its World Cup debut just four years after apartheid ended. The team faced France, Denmark and Saudi Arabia. Results showed 0 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss. The team exited in the group stage. Nelson Mandela wore the yellow Bafana jersey. This created an iconic moment in South African sports history.

2002 South Korea/Japan – First Victory

Bafana Bafana improved with their first World Cup win. The team beat Slovenia 1-0. They drew with Paraguay 2-2. They lost to Spain. The team finished with 4 points but still exited in the group stage. Benni McCarthy, Quinton Fortune and Aaron Mokoena were key players.

2010 South Africa – Home Tournament

South Africa hosted Africa’s first World Cup. Siphiwe Tshabalala scored a legendary opening goal against Mexico. The match ended 1-1. The team beat France 2-1. They lost to Uruguay 3-0. South Africa became the first host nation eliminated in the group stage. The tournament showcased excellent organization and united the nation.

Overall World Cup Record

South Africa participated in 3 tournaments between 1998 and 2010. The team played 9 matches total. The record shows 2 wins, 4 draws and 3 losses. Bafana Bafana scored 11 goals and conceded 16. The best finish remains the group stage in all three occasions.

2026 Qualification Success

Hugo Broos led South Africa to qualification. The team topped CAF Group C. They secured their spot with a 3-0 victory over Rwanda on October 14, 2025. The match took place at Mbombela Stadium. Thalente Mbatha scored in the 4th minute. Oswin Appollis added a goal in the 25th minute. Evidence Makgopa sealed the win in the 72nd minute.

The team finished top of a tough group. Nigeria, Benin, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Lesotho competed in the same group. This qualification ended a 16-year World Cup absence.

South Africa World Cup Predictions and Analysis

Group A Competition

Mexico brings World Cup experience but struggles recently. They have not passed the Round of 16 in seven straight tournaments. The co-hosts face pressure to perform well.

South Korea is a strong Asian team. Son Heung-min leads the squad. They reached the Round of 16 in 2022. The team plays organized and disciplined football with good technical skills.

The UEFA Playoff Winner brings European quality. Czech Republic, Denmark, Republic of Ireland or North Macedonia could qualify. Each team offers solid organization. Quality varies between the four options.

Bafana Bafana Goals

The expanded 48-team format helps South Africa. A total of 32 teams reach the knockout rounds. South Africa needs a top-two finish in Group A. The team could also advance as a third-place qualifier. Four points from three matches might secure progression.

Key players make the difference. Ronwen Williams guards the goal with world-class ability. Teboho Mokoena controls the midfield tempo. Percy Tau brings European experience to the forward line. Evidence Makgopa scored in the crucial qualification match.

Hugo Broos employs smart tactics. The coach uses organized defensive structure. The team launches quick counter-attacks. Broos prioritizes solidity before creativity.

Tournament Favorites

Brazil chases a record sixth title. Argentina defends their 2022 crown. France possesses incredible squad depth. England seeks their first title since 1966. Germany and Spain remain serious contenders.

Nine African teams qualified for 2026. This represents the most ever for the continent. Morocco, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Tunisia, Egypt and South Africa can all reach knockout stages.

South Africa FIFA World Cup 2026 FAQs

The 2026 World Cup gives Bafana Bafana a chance to make history. South Africa returns to the world stage after 16 years.

The nation will unite behind our team. We chase that first knockout round appearance. Get ready for an unforgettable tournament. Bafana Bafana will make us proud!