THE South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) Video Entertainment division is proud to announce that S3 will serve as the primary broadcast channel for the FIFA World Cup 2026, delivering extensive coverage of the world’s biggest sporting event to South African audiences.
In a move designed to maximise access for football fans across the country, all Bafana Bafana matches will be simulcast on both SABC1 and S3, ensuring that South Africans can unite behind the national team as they return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2010.
Viewers can look forward to comprehensive tournament coverage hosted by SABC Sport presenters Andile Ncube, Vusiwe Ngcobo and Thabiso Mosia, who will guide audiences through the action with expert analysis, commentary and insights throughout the competition.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 officially gets underway on Thursday, 11 June 2026, with the Opening Ceremony and Build-Up programme broadcasting live on SABC1 and S3 from 18:30 to 21:00.
The ceremony will mark the start of the largest FIFA World Cup in history, celebrating the unifying power of football and bringing together nations from across the globe.
Immediately following the Opening Ceremony, South Africans will witness a historic moment as Bafana Bafana take on Mexico in the tournament’s opening match at 21:00.
The fixture rekindles one of South Africa’s most memorable FIFA World Cup rivalries.
The two nations famously met in the opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Johannesburg, where Siphiwe Tshabalala’s iconic goal captivated audiences worldwide and secured a memorable 1–1 draw.
Sixteen years later, Bafana Bafana return to football’s grandest stage carrying the hopes and aspirations of a nation eager to create new memories and write another chapter in South African football history.
“The FIFA World Cup is one of the world’s most significant sporting events, and we are proud to bring South Africans closer to the action through S3 and SABC1. Bafana Bafana’s return to the global stage is a moment of national pride that unites the country, and our commitment is to ensure every South African can share in this experience through accessible, high-quality, world-class coverage,” says Keletso Totlhanyo: General Manager, SABC Sport.
As the official home of FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage, S3 will also broadcast a selection of high-profile international fixtures, including:
• Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina – Friday, 12 June 2026 at 21:00
• France vs Senegal – Tuesday, 16 June 2026 at 21:00
• USA vs Australia – Friday, 19 June 2026 at 21:00
• Germany vs Côte d’Ivoire – Saturday, 20 June 2026 at 22:00
• England vs Ghana – Tuesday, 23 June 2026 at 22:00
The following Bafana Bafana group-stage matches will be simulcast on SABC1 and S3:
• South Africa vs Mexico – Thursday, 11 June 2026 at 21:00
• South Africa vs Czechia – Thursday, 18 June 2026 at 18:00
• South Africa vs South Korea – Wednesday, 24 June 2026 at 03:00
SABC Video Entertainment will continue to provide comprehensive coverage throughout the tournament, including the knockout stages and the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final, ensuring that South Africans remain connected to every pivotal moment of the world’s most celebrated football event.
Football fans are encouraged to tune in to SABC1 and S3 for unparalleled coverage, expert analysis and the opportunity to support Bafana Bafana as they compete on the world’s biggest stage.
