Frenzy for Bafana’s 2026 World Cup opener pushes ticket prices past R1 million
Passionate Bafana Bafana supporters cheer on the national soccer team.
Image: File
From Thursday, South Africans will have their shot at securing tickets for the much-anticipated 2026 World Cup in North America.
Bafana Bafana are set to take centre stage against co-hosts Mexico in the tournament opener on June 11, 2026. This confrontational rematch will be a nostalgic echo of their memorable clash in the opening game of the 2010 World Cup held in Johannesburg.
The fervour surrounding the ticket sales has reached a fever pitch, with the initial phase of ticket sales having commenced on September 10, resulting in the quick purchase of 2 million tickets. However, as excitement builds, only a small fraction of those tickets remain available.
Fans eager to witness Bafana Bafana's first match must act promptly, as only 2% of tickets are estimated to be left on resale platforms. And for those contemplating attending, brace yourself – this is a high-stakes ticket game.
On the resale market, the cheapest single ticket currently offered starts at a staggering R77,326, providing access to the upper stands – far from the action in the grand Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. For a slightly better vantage point with Category 2 tickets, costs jump to R95,938, still nestled at the top of the stands.
As one ventures closer to the pitch, the price escalates dramatically. The ultimate luxury awaits those willing to pay R1.3 million for seats near the pitch, just behind the players' dugout. Yet, spectating in such proximity comes with a catch: only four of these premium tickets remain on StubHub.
Excited fans can take solace in the fact that FIFA’s official resale marketplace is set to reopen on December 15, presenting another chance to acquire tickets at perhaps a more manageable price point. Despite the astronomical prices and fierce competition on secondary platforms, South Africans can still be a part of history as Bafana Bafana launches the tournament in one of the world’s most iconic stadiums.
As the clock ticks down to the opening match, demand is only expected to rise. Football aficionados dreaming of witnessing that pivotal opening whistle must be prepared to jump at the opportunity when the lottery begins on Thursday, employing a mix of quick reflexes, good fortune, and a robust budget in their quest for a seat at this historic event.
IOL Sport