R39 000 Tickets: How Tickets For Bafana Vs Mexico Will Work

(Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images)

With Bafana Bafana back on the global stage, SAFA has moved to clarify exactly how South Africans can secure tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as ticketing will be handled exclusively through FIFA’s global system rather than local operators.

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SAFA Commercial and Marketing Manager Errol Madlala explained that the association felt it was important to simplify the process for local supporters, particularly after South Africa’s absence from the World Cup in recent years.

“We thought internally we must find a way to articulate the ticketing process because how we’ve always run ticketing in South Africa is very simple, you have your money, you buy your ticket and that’s it. But World Cup ticketing is fully managed by FIFA, and everyone has to buy through that system.”

Madlala confirmed that the first phase of ticketing, which gauged global interest, has already taken place. The second phase, known as the Participating Member Phase, runs from now until 13 January 2026 and is the most important window for South Africans.

“This phase is fixed pricing, meaning ticket prices don’t fluctuate based on demand. For every match, FIFA allocates eight percent of stadium capacity to each of the two participating countries.”

For South Africa, this means Bafana Bafana supporters will have access to 8% of tickets for each match the team plays, across three pricing categories.

Category One seats are closest to the pitch, Category Two in the middle, and Category Three higher up in the stands.

Madlala stressed that SAFA’s role is not to sell tickets, but to ensure South Africans can access the seats reserved for them.

“The only authority that issues tickets is FIFA. What you will receive from us is a code that gives you access to the seating reserved for South Africans.”

The process begins with fans registering for a FIFA ID on FIFA’s official ticketing platform. Once registered, supporters must request a South African access code via SAFA’s website. That code unlocks all Bafana Bafana matches on the FIFA ticketing portal.

“With a code, you can buy up to four tickets per match and up to ten matches in total. This allows families and groups of friends to plan together, while also preventing ticket resellers from buying in bulk.”

If demand exceeds the available 8% allocation, FIFA will conduct a random draw to determine who receives tickets. If demand does not meet supply, unused tickets will later be released back into the general global market, where they are likely to be snapped up quickly, especially for high-profile matches.

“If those tickets go back to the market, they will probably be taken by locals in that country. That’s why it’s important for South Africans to use this phase.”

Successful applicants will be asked to pay for their tickets at the end of January, with payments due by 2 February. SAFA will then receive feedback from FIFA on how many tickets South Africans have secured and whether any remain available.

Madlala also outlined the ticket pricing structure, noting that opening matches are significantly more expensive than later group games.

For the opening match against Mexico, Category Three tickets start at $1,020 (approximately R17 000) , Category Two at $1,705 (approximately R28 500), and Category One at $2,365 (approximately R39 600). Group matches in Atlanta and against South Korea are more affordable, with Category Three tickets priced at $140 (approximately R2345). Prices rise again in the knockout rounds, with the cheapest final ticket costing $4,185 (approximately R70 100).

“We want to be very clear about pricing and the process. It would be a shame for us to qualify for the World Cup and arrive there with very few South Africans in the stands.”

SAFA will continue to update information on its Fan Zone page, including step-by-step graphics explaining how to register, request codes and complete purchases. While travel packages and visa assistance are still being explored, Madlala urged fans not to delay securing tickets.

“We don’t want people to wait for packages and miss out on tickets. Our priority right now is making sure South Africans understand the process and have a fair opportunity to be there supporting Bafana Bafana,” he said.

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