South African sports fans can look forward to world-class golf, iconic cycling routes, international rugby tours and fight nights, as 2026 shapes up to be a standout year for sport in South Africa.
South Africa (11 January 2025) – South Africa’s sporting calendar for 2026 is shaping up to be a big one, with global events and major rivalries all heading to local shores. From combat sports and cycling to golf, rugby and lifesaving, here are five events South Africans can look forward to this year.
EFC Knox Legacy Series – 26 February 2026
The South African MMA calendar gets underway in style with the launch of the EFC Knox Legacy Series on 26 February at the GrandWest Grand Arena in Cape Town. The event is backed by Knox Hydrate, co-founded by reigning UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis, whose involvement adds serious global credibility to the series. The event is designed to shine a spotlight on local talent and is expected to become a pathway for rising South African fighters.
Cape Town Cycle Tour – 8 March 2026
Thousands of cyclists will take to the streets of Cape Town for the 48th edition of the Cape Town Cycle Tour on Sunday, 8 March. Riders can choose between the iconic 109km route or the shorter 42km option, all while soaking in some of the country’s most scenic views. In 2026, the event reaches a new milestone by joining the UCI Gran Fondo World Series, giving participants a chance to qualify for the World Championships later in the year.
LIV Golf South Africa – 19 to 22 March 2026
World-class golf meets live entertainment when LIV Golf returns to Steyn City from 19 to 22 March. The four-day event blends elite competition with a strong music line-up, featuring international stars and top local acts. With performances from the likes of Black Coffee and a festival-style atmosphere, LIV Golf continues to offer a fresh, high-energy take on the traditional golf experience.
New Zealand Rugby Tour to South Africa – August & September 2026
One of rugby’s greatest rivalries returns as New Zealand tours South Africa for the first time in 30 years. Taking place in August and September, the tour includes matches against local franchises and a four-Test series against the Springboks. Games are set for Cape Town and Johannesburg, with the All Blacks facing the country’s top teams before the headline Tests, making this one of the most anticipated rugby moments of the year.
Lifesaving World Championships – 25 November to 13 December 2026
The year closes with a global showcase of skill and safety as the Lifesaving World Championships head to Nelson Mandela Bay from 25 November to 13 December. Thousands of athletes from around the world will compete across beach and ocean events, celebrating both high-performance sport and water safety.
With global events landing on home soil and local stars sharing the stage with international names, fans will have plenty to look forward to in the months ahead.
Sources: Various Linked Above
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