South Africa

South Africa at CWC 2027

As co-hosts, South Africa qualified automatically and play in Group B alongside England, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and a qualifier still to be confirmed. Every one of their group matches is a day/night game, ideal for after-work crowds.

Date	Opponent	Venue	Start (local)
Sat 9 Oct	New Zealand	Newlands, Cape Town	12:30 (day/night)
Wed 13 Oct	Group B qualifier (TBC)	Boland Park, Paarl	12:30 (day/night)
Sat 16 Oct	England	St George’s Park, Gqeberha	12:30 (day/night)
Tue 19 Oct	Bangladesh	Kingsmead, Durban	12:30 (day/night)
Fri 22 Oct	Sri Lanka	Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg	12:30 (day/night)

The campaign starts with a Saturday night against New Zealand in Cape Town, and the Proteas then tour the country: the Winelands, the Eastern Cape coast, Durban and finally a Friday night at the Wanderers, a ground whose atmosphere under lights is hard to beat.

World Cup history

South Africa’s World Cup story is one of near misses. Since their first tournament in 1992, they have reached the semi-finals five times, in 1992, 1999, 2007, 2015 and 2023, without yet reaching a final. The 1999 semi-final against Australia at Edgbaston, which ended in a tie and sent Australia through, is among the most famous matches in the competition’s history. When South Africa last hosted, in 2003, they went out in the first round. Home fans will hope this tournament finally rewrites the narrative.

Conditions in southern Africa

Nobody knows these grounds better. The Highveld venues, with altitude, quick outfields and steep bounce, have long suited South Africa’s tradition of fast bowling and powerful batting, while coastal grounds such as Durban and Gqeberha bring humidity and wind that local players understand well. Day/night games add a twist, with the ball sometimes doing more under lights at the coast. Home advantage is never a guarantee, but familiarity with conditions should count for something.

Travelling fans

For South African supporters, the main logistics are domestic. Cape Town, Gqeberha, Durban and Johannesburg are well connected by domestic flights, and Paarl is an easy drive from Cape Town. Book early, as flights and accommodation around big matches may fill up. Evening finishes for day/night games mean planning safe transport home in advance.

If you plan to follow the team into Zimbabwe or Namibia for later rounds, check the official government sites for the entry requirements that apply to your passport. Our visa guide covers the basics, and the tickets guide explains how to buy for each venue.