South Africa returns to the FIFA World Cup after 16 years away from football’s biggest stage. Every match broadcasts completely free on SABC platforms thanks to a partnership between SABC and Hollywoodbets announced on December 5, 2025.
The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Bafana Bafana opens against Mexico at Estadio Azteca on June 11 at 10:00 PM SAST. This marks exactly 16 years since these teams met in the 2010 World Cup opener when Siphiwe Tshabalala scored that unforgettable goal.
South Africa qualified through regular qualification for the first time since 2002. This ends years of heartbreak after missing the 2014, 2018, and 2022 tournaments.
South Africa’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Schedule
The December 5, 2025 draw placed South Africa in Group A alongside Mexico, South Korea, and a European team. The fourth team will be Denmark, Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland, or North Macedonia. March 2026 playoff matches determine the final spot.
| DATE | OPPONENT | TIME (SAST) | VENUE |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 11, 2026 | Mexico | 10:00 PM | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City |
| June 18, 2026 | UEFA Playoff Winner | 7:00 PM | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
| June 24, 2026 | South Korea | 4:00 AM (June 25) | Estadio BBVA, Monterrey |
South Korea poses the toughest challenge in Group A. They rank 22nd in the world and feature Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min. South Korea consistently performs well at World Cups. The late kickoff against them reflects the time difference between South Africa and Mexico.
The 2026 format features 48 teams split into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group advance automatically. The eight best third-place teams also qualify for the Round of 32. This means 32 teams total move beyond the group stage. Bafana Bafana has multiple realistic paths to advance.
Hugo Broos and his coaching staff have several months to prepare. The draw avoided powerhouse teams like Colombia and Uruguay. South Africa has genuine hope of reaching the knockout stage for only the second time in their history.
Which TV Channels Will Broadcast the FIFA World Cup 2026 in South Africa?
Three free-to-air SABC channels will show all 104 matches live. You need no subscription to watch.
SABC 1 broadcasts on Channel 101 on OpenView HD. The channel also appears on DStv. SABC 1 reaches the largest television audience in South Africa. The channel carries a major portion of tournament matches with commentary in English and Nguni languages.
SABC 3 appears on Channel 103 on OpenView HD. You can also find it on DStv platforms. The channel provides English commentary. SABC 3 has built trust as a source for international sports coverage.
SABC Sport sits on Channel 124 on OpenView HD. This 24-hour sports channel delivers the most complete pre-match shows and expert analysis. South African football legends provide post-match discussions on this platform.
Three channels mean SABC can broadcast multiple matches at once. Several games often kick off at the same time during the group stage. You never have to choose which match to watch.
Coverage goes far beyond just the 90 minutes of play. South African football icons break down tactics in studio programs. Pre-match shows preview key battles and storylines. Post-match analysis includes player interviews and highlights in multiple South African languages.
Keletso Totlhanyo leads SABC Sport. He said the partnership represents a huge moment for South African broadcasting. The deal ensures every South African can watch regardless of location or money situation.
How to Live Stream the FIFA World Cup 2026 in South Africa (FREE)
SABC Plus offers completely free streaming on all devices. You need no subscription or registration.
Mobile Streaming: Download the SABC Plus app from the Apple App Store for iPhones and iPads. Android users get it from Google Play Store. The app provides live streams of all SABC channels that broadcast World Cup matches. You also get on-demand replays for matches you miss.
Desktop Access: Visit www.sabc-plus.com through any modern web browser. Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge all work fine. You install no software. Just go to the website and start watching.
Data Considerations: Standard quality uses about 300MB per hour. High definition quality uses roughly 1GB per hour. Connect to WiFi when you can to save mobile data costs. Many workplaces, restaurants, and public spaces offer free WiFi good enough for streaming.
Technical Requirements: SABC recommends at least 2 Mbps internet speed for smooth streaming. A 4 Mbps connection works better for high-definition quality. This matters most when multiple devices share the same internet connection.
The platform adjusts streaming quality based on your connection speed automatically. Fast internet gives you crystal-clear HD. Slower connections adjust lower to prevent constant buffering.
Download and test the SABC Plus app right now. Get familiar with how it works months before the tournament starts. Fix any technical problems before the opening match. The app supports Chromecast and screen mirroring. You can cast from your phone to bigger TV screens.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Radio Coverage in South Africa
Multiple SABC Radio Stations will broadcast live commentary in various South African languages. The radio network reaches every corner of the country. This includes rural areas where TV or internet access might be limited.
Radio serves important purposes during the World Cup. Drivers can follow matches safely on the road. People at work can track games without screens. Radio creates a special connection to sport that TV sometimes cannot match.
SABC will announce specific stations and frequencies as the tournament gets closer. The multilingual approach means you get commentary in your preferred language. Broadcasters who understand South African football culture deliver the commentary.
Digital radio streaming adds flexibility. You can stream station audio through the internet on phones or computers. This works great outside traditional FM or AM broadcast ranges. Radio needs zero mobile data when you use built-in FM receivers on phones.
South Africa’s FIFA World Cup History & Past Records
South Africa competed in three previous World Cups. The team never advanced past the group stage despite memorable moments.
1998 France: Bafana Bafana made their World Cup debut six years after FIFA readmitted them. They lost 3-0 to eventual champions France in the opener. They then drew 1-1 with Denmark and 2-2 with Saudi Arabia. The team finished third in their group.
2002 Korea/Japan: This stands as South Africa’s best World Cup performance. They beat Slovenia 1-0 for their first-ever World Cup victory. They drew with both Paraguay and Spain to top their group. Bafana Bafana advanced to the Round of 16. They faced Spain again and lost on penalties after a 0-0 draw. This remains their deepest run.
2010 South Africa: The team automatically qualified as hosts. They drew 1-1 with Mexico when Tshabalala scored that famous goal. They lost 0-3 to Uruguay. They beat France 2-1 in their final match. South Africa still failed to advance. They became the first host nation eliminated in the group stage.
Overall Record: 9 matches played with 2 wins, 4 draws, and 3 losses. The team scored 11 goals and conceded 16 goals.
South Africa failed to qualify for 2006, 2014, 2018, and 2022. Each campaign brought hope before ending in disappointment. The 2026 qualification brings redemption. This ends a 24-year wait since South Africa last earned their World Cup spot through regular qualification back in 2002.
SABC Will Also Broadcast the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup
The SABC-Hollywoodbets partnership covers more than just the men’s tournament. The deal includes complete free coverage of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The women’s tournament runs from June 24 to July 25, 2027.
Banyana Banyana aims to qualify through the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. South Africa’s women’s team finished fourth at the 2025 WAFCON. This shows they can compete with Africa’s top teams. Qualification for Brazil 2027 is realistic and achievable.
This commitment shows SABC invests in South African football at all levels. The partnership provides equal visibility for both men’s and women’s national teams. This helps build the profile of women’s football across the country.
FIFA World Cup 2026 FAQs (South Africa): All You Need to Know
Do I need a subscription to watch FIFA World Cup 2026?
No. All 104 matches broadcast free on SABC 1, SABC 3, SABC Sport, and SABC Plus. You need no DStv Premium or SuperSport subscription.
What time does South Africa play their opening match?
Bafana Bafana faces Mexico on June 11, 2026 at 10:00 PM South African Standard Time. The match takes place at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. This is the tournament’s opening match.
Can I watch matches on my phone for free?
Yes. Download the free SABC Plus app from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app needs no subscription or registration. You only pay for data usage. Standard quality uses about 300MB per hour.
Who are South Africa’s opponents in Group A?
Bafana Bafana faces Mexico, South Korea, and one European team. The European team will be Denmark, Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland, or North Macedonia. March 2026 playoffs determine this final spot.
How many teams advance from the group stage?
The top two teams from each group advance automatically. The eight best third-place teams also qualify. This means 32 of the 48 teams reach the Round of 32.
Where can I find SABC Sport on my TV?
SABC Sport broadcasts on Channel 124 on OpenView HD. SABC 1 appears on Channel 101. SABC 3 sits on Channel 103. All three channels also work on DStv.
Will radio stations broadcast World Cup matches?
Yes. Multiple SABC Radio Stations will carry live commentary in various South African languages. Radio needs zero data usage. SABC will announce specific stations and frequencies closer to the tournament.
South Africa earned their 2026 World Cup place through strong qualifying performance under Hugo Broos. SABC ensures every South African can watch regardless of where they live or their money situation. Download SABC Plus today and save your channel numbers. Mark June 11 on your calendar. After 16 years away, Bafana Bafana returns to the world stage.
