A NATION REIGNITED: SABC SPORT & HOLLYWOODBETS ANNOUNCE LANDMARK FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 & FIFA WORLD CUP 2027 BROADCAST PARTNERSHIP

This will then be followed by FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Brazil, from 24th June to 25th July 2027. 

SABC Sport in proud partnership with Hollywoodbets will deliver extensive, free-to-air coverage of the global tournament across SABC 1, SABC 3, SABC Sport, SABC Plus, and your favourite SABC Radio Stations. 

This historic broadcast delivery is made possible through SABC Sport’s rights acquisition from New World TV, the official rights holder for the 2026 & 2027 FIFA World Cup in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

Through this agreement, and in proud partnership with Hollywoodbets, SABC ensures that all South Africans can enjoy free, nationwide access to the world’s greatest football event across its television, radio and digital platforms. 

Through this acquisition and partnership, South African audiences will enjoy unparalleled access to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ &  2027™, with live broadcasts, expert analysis, and in-depth coverage across all SABC platforms. 

The collaboration between SABC Sport and Hollywoodbets continues to highlight the power of sport to connect, inspire, and uplift communities nationwide. 

READ: Hugo Broos revisits his Maradona moment on the eve of the World Cup draw

This year also marks a historic moment as Bafana Bafana returns to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2010, when South Africa proudly hosted the global showpiece. 

Prior to hosting in 2010, the nation last qualified for the FIFA World Cup in 2002, making this qualification a long-awaited milestone that reignites national pride and unites millions in celebration. 

South Africans will once again join together to support our national team as they take their place among 48 nations on football’s biggest stage.

The excitement begins this week with the FIFA World Cup Draw, taking place on Friday at 18:00, broadcast live on SABC 3 and SABC Plus, giving fans the first look at Bafana Bafana’s group-stage journey. 

Keletso Totlhanyo, Head of SABC Sport, said: “Securing the 2026 FIFA World Cup broadcasting rights through New World TV and delivering this global spectacle free-to-air with the support of Hollywoodbets, is a monumental moment for SABC Sport and for South Africa. 

For the first time in more than a decade, Bafana Bafana returns to the world stage and it is our privilege to ensure that every South African regardless of location or economic circumstance can experience every moment. 

This partnership represents our commitment to accessibility, national pride, and the unifying magic of sport.”

Morgan Shandu, Head of Operations at Hollywoodbets said, “At Hollywoodbets, we take pride in being a South African business dedicated to uplifting and entertaining our communities. 

Partnering with the SABC to bring the global soccer spectacle to the people’s screens is another way we ensure that all South Africans can enjoy the global football celebration. 

We are committed to staying at the forefront of bringing the world of sport closer to our nation. 

As the journey to the FIFA World Cup 2026 begins, South Africans can look forward to an unforgettable tournament experience, free, accessible, and proudly brought to you by SABC Sport and Hollywoodbets. 

Unite Around the Beautiful Game: Whether gathered in family living rooms, local taverns, or community sports halls, South Africans can come together to experience live football on SABC Sport. 

Tune in, turn up the excitement, and join the nationwide celebration because here, it’s Game On Everywhere. 

About SABC Sport It’s Game On Everywhere: As the Home for Universal Access to Sport and Football, SABC Sport champions South Africa’s passion for athletic excellence. Through free-to-air broadcasting on television, radio, and digital platforms, we deliver live coverage of premier football alongside rugby, cricket, athletics, and more ensuring every South African enjoys the sporting moments that unite us all.