Bafana Bafana are back on the world stage, and South African football fans finally have a proper World Cup schedule to plan around. South Africa have been drawn in Group A alongside tournament co-hosts Mexico, Czechia and South Korea, with the opening match against Mexico giving Bafana a massive start to the tournament.
Below is the full Bafana Bafana group-stage schedule converted to South African Standard Time (SAST), along with the venues and where South Africans should be able to watch the matches live.
| Date in South Africa | Kick-Off Time (SAST) | Match | Venue | Broadcast in South Africa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, 11 June 2026 | 21:00 | Mexico vs South Africa | Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City | SABC / SABC Plus / SuperSport / DStv |
| Thursday, 18 June 2026 | 18:00 | Czechia vs South Africa | Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta | SABC / SABC Plus / SuperSport / DStv |
| Thursday, 25 June 2026 | 03:00 | South Africa vs South Korea | Monterrey Stadium, Monterrey | SABC / SABC Plus / SuperSport / DStv |
Where to watch Bafana Bafana in South Africa
South African viewers should have a few options for watching Bafana Bafana’s World Cup matches:
Free-to-air TV: SABC is expected to show Bafana Bafana’s matches, with coverage across SABC 1, SABC 3 and SABC Sport.
Streaming: SABC Plus should be available for viewers who want to stream the matches without a DStv subscription.
Paid TV: SuperSport and DStv are expected to carry the World Cup, including all 104 matches from the tournament.
Radio: SABC radio stations are also expected to provide coverage, which is useful for fans who are travelling, working, or unable to watch live.
Quick thoughts on the fixtures
The Mexico opener is a big one. Not only is it Bafana’s return to the World Cup, but it is also the opening match of the tournament against one of the host nations. A 21:00 kickoff is perfect for South African fans.
The Czechia game is probably the most convenient fixture from a viewing point of view, kicking off at 18:00 SAST. That one could be massive for the group standings.
The final group match against South Korea is the tough one for local fans, with a 03:00 SAST kickoff. Depending on how the first two games go, though, it could be worth setting the alarm.
Which fixture are you most excited for: the Mexico opener, the Czechia evening game, or the early-morning South Korea decider?
I will be your admin now.