As the clock ticks toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup, South African soccer fans are watching and waiting. The excitement is undeniable, but for now, most are holding back on booking flights and packages until they know whether Bafana Bafana will be part of the showpiece event.
A Global Stage Awaits
The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will run from June 11 to July 19. FIFA opened the Visa Presale Draw for tickets on September 10, giving fans until September 19 to apply. But in South Africa, the hype hasn’t quite translated into a rush of bookings just yet.
Why Fans Are Playing The Waiting Game
Illana Perreira, COO of Tourvest Destination Management Sports and Events, which operates Pure-Travel and SA Rugby Travel, says South Africans tend to take a cautious approach. Instead of rushing for early deals, many prefer to wait for confirmation of fixtures, travel logistics, and—most importantly—Bafana’s qualification.
That means the real wave of enquiries is expected after milestones like the final draw, confirmed match schedules, and Bafana Bafana officially securing their place.
The Road To Qualification
South Africa’s path to the World Cup still has two critical hurdles: matches against Zimbabwe on October 6 and Rwanda on October 13. Zimbabwe are already eliminated, but Rwanda remain in contention, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish.
On social media, fans are buzzing with a mix of optimism and nerves. Some are already dreaming of seeing Bafana in North America, while others warn against counting chickens before they hatch. One fan on X joked, “I’ll only book my ticket to New York when Broos stamps our passport to 2026.”
Soccer’s Mass Appeal
While rugby often dominates the corporate travel market, soccer has a far wider reach in South Africa. “Soccer engages a broader audience and generates significant excitement at grassroots level,” Perreira explains. That passion may not always translate into early bookings, but when Bafana are in the mix, the momentum builds fast.
Pure-Travel and SA Rugby Travel usually handle ticket-inclusive packages, including flights and accommodation. But given the complexities of official ticket sales, some fans may secure tickets on their own before turning to travel agents for the rest of the arrangements.
The Bigger Picture
South African fans have been here before—hopeful, hesitant, and hungry to see their team on football’s biggest stage. Whether or not Bafana Bafana qualify, the growing interest shows just how much soccer means to the country. If they do make it, expect a flood of late-night enquiries, passport renewals, and a rush for visas as fans scramble to live their World Cup dream.
Source: Travel News
Featured Image Source: iDiski Times on X
