Backing Bafana’s Historic Run: Virgin Bet and Time Out Bring World Cup Knockout Fever to Cape Town 

Cape Town, 30 June 2026 | Virgin Bet South Africa and Time Out South Africa have turned global football fever into the Mother City’s hottest ticket. Following Bafana Bafana’s remarkable FIFA World Cup journey, which saw the team make history by reaching the knockout stages for the first time ever, local fan excitement has reached an all-time high.

Although South Africa’s run in the tournament came to an end following their quarter-final clash against Canada, the team united the nation and reignited belief in South African football with a campaign that delivered historic milestones and unforgettable memories.

While South Africa’s World Cup journey has come to an end, Bafana Bafana leave the tournament with plenty to celebrate. The nation will remember Teboho Mokoena’s goal that ended a 16-year wait for a South African FIFA World Cup goal.

It will remember Thapelo Maseko’s winner that secured a place in the knockout stages for the first time in the country’s history. Most importantly, it will remember a squad that played with heart, resilience and pride every time they pulled on the South African jersey.

It will remember standout performances from rising stars like Mbekezeli Mbokazi, whose composure and maturity on football’s biggest stage captured the attention of fans Virgin Bet’s Watch Party series will continue to celebrate the excitement of the FIFA World Cup, bringing guests together for the remaining quarter-final and the tournament final.

Packed with football legends, celebrities, media, and lucky competition winners, the latest VIP screening at the V&A Waterfront delivered a nail-biting evening of premium fan culture as Bafana Bafana took on Czechia.

Living every tense moment of this match was Bafana legend Eric Tinkler, returning for his second watch party alongside comedian Khanyisa JamJam and Cape Town City goalkeeper Zukisa Mtuzula.

Guests enjoyed an exceptional evening filled with spot prizes, gourmet pizza, drinks, and incredible camaraderie while soaking up every second of the match. The atmosphere inside the historic Old Power Station building that is now Time Out Market Cape Town shifted from high-stakes tension to pure jubilation when the decisive equalising goal by Teboho Mokoena was slotted home, sending the packed crowd into wild celebration.

This VIP Watch Party series highlights the powerful partnership between Virgin Bet and Time Out South Africa, blending premium sports entertainment with Cape Town’s iconic food culture. Driven by Time Out’s ‘Food-Ball’ concept, the collaboration delivers culture-first experiences and deep fan engagement across web, social, and experiential touchpoints.

More VIP Watch Parties to come

Virgin Bet South Africa will host two further VIP Watch Parties. The third event will coincide with the tournament’s second quarter-final on 10 July, while the fourth and final Watch Party on 19 July will celebrate the World Cup Final as the world’s two best teams battle for football’s ultimate prize.

Please note: this is an invite-only VIP event. Entry is strictly limited to guests who have won tickets via the Virgin Bet South Africa competition, and walk-ins cannot be accommodated on the night.

Win VIP tickets

For your chance to win VIP tickets to the remaining Virgin Bet Watch Parties on 10 and 19 July, head to this post on Virgin Bet South Africa’s Instagram and follow the entry instructions.

For more on Virgin Bet’s World Cup Watch Party series, visit the dedicated landing page, which will be updated with further details as they become available.