For South African sports fans, travel isn’t just about ticking countries off a list — it’s about experiencing the pulse of a packed stadium, the electric atmosphere of a world final, and the shared euphoria of fans from every corner of the globe. Whether you’re into rugby scrums, F1 speed or Wimbledon whites, some sporting events transcend the screen and demand to be seen live.
Here’s our list of once-in-a-lifetime sporting events serious sports fans aspire to tick off their bucket list in 2025 and 2026 (be sure to also check out our summary of the smaller, budget-friendly sporting events coming up in 2025 and 2026).
There’s tennis — and then there’s the Grand Slam experience. In 2026, why not build your travel year around the big four? Whether you're chasing summer Down Under or the grit of New York’s hard courts, each Slam has its own flavour:
Each Grand Slam offers a different cultural and sporting experience — from rowdy Aussie crowds to the elegance of Paris and the late-night parties of Flushing Meadows, there’s a Grand Slam experience for everyone.
For all Grand Slams, aim to stay within walking distance or a short transit ride from the venue. This saves precious energy and maximises your time soaking in the atmosphere, catching warm-ups and exploring fan zones without worrying about delays or last-minute transport headaches.
Check out Sure Travel’s dedicated sporting events ticketing portal for great deals. You can also book flights, accommodation, car hire and more online with Sure Travel. Or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for quotes and/or a custom itinerary.
The Rugby World Cup Sevens only comes around every four years, and 2026 will see it land in Germany for the very first time. Expect a buzzing European summer vibe mixed with the fast-paced, festival-style energy that makes Sevens such a crowd-pleaser.
South Africa’s Blitzboks are always title contenders, and Sevens offers the rare chance to watch multiple nations clash in a single day.
Pair it with a broader European summer trip — think Berlin nightlife and a Rhine river cruise between match days.
Check out Sure Travel’s dedicated sporting events ticketing portal for great deals. You can also book flights, accommodation, car hire and more online with Sure Travel. Or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for quotes and/or a custom itinerary.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in Oman is set to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable events in this year’s cricketing calendar. As the final gateway to the T20 World Cup, this tournament is where underdog nations battle for a coveted spot on the global stage — delivering high-stakes matches, breakout performances and nail-biting finishes.
For fans, it’s an unforgettable opportunity to witness intense international cricket in a more intimate and scenic setting, with Oman's stunning desert landscapes, warm hospitality and modern cricket infrastructure making it a surprisingly perfect sporting destination.
Stay in Muscat and take day trips to matches — this gives you access to top-rated hotels, local souks, beachside dining and easy transport to the grounds. And be sure to book early, especially accommodation, which fills up quickly during international tournaments!
Check out Sure Travel’s dedicated sporting events ticketing portal for great deals. You can also book flights, accommodation, car hire and more online with Sure Travel. Or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for quotes and/or a custom itinerary.
The biggest sporting event in the world heads to North America in 2026. Hopefully Bafana Bafana will qualify (fingers crossed!), but even if they don’t, just being in the host cities during the tournament is an unforgettable experience (remember how vibrant it was to be in host cities across South Africa during the FIFA World Cup 2010!).
It's the first 48-team World Cup — bigger, more diverse, and spread across three countries. Think tailgate parties in Dallas, street football in Mexico City, fan zones in Toronto, and more…
Try base yourself in a hub city like LA or New York, where there are plenty of outward connections to fly out to other match locations.
Check out Sure Travel’s dedicated sporting events ticketing portal for great deals. You can also book flights, accommodation, car hire and more online with Sure Travel. Or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for quotes and/or a custom itinerary.
The Monaco Grand Prix is F1’s most glamorous race — combining speed, luxury yachts, celebrity sightings and nail-biting track corners — and (arguably) top of the list for any serious petrolhead.
There’s nothing quite like the roar of engines bouncing off Monte Carlo’s stone buildings. And with Cape Town's F1 Grand Prix bid still in limbo, it might be a while before we see similar action at home.
Stay in nearby Nice for more affordable accommodation and hop on a train into Monaco on race day.
Check out Sure Travel’s dedicated sporting events ticketing portal for great deals. You can also book flights, accommodation, car hire and more online with Sure Travel. Or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agentyour nearest Sure Travel Agent for quotes and/or a custom itinerary.
While South Africa hosted the Lions in 2021, the 2025 edition in Australia offers another bucket-list-worthy adventure — especially if you follow them for all three Tests across different cities.
The Lions Tour is a rugby pilgrimage, and a bucket-list worthy chance to see the best of the Northern Hemisphere battle southern titans.
Key cities for the tour include Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Canberra, while Perth will also host a match against the Western Force. This is the perfect opportunity for South African fans to plan a road trip across Australia, following the matches and taking in the best of Down Under.
Check out Sure Travel’s dedicated sporting events ticketing portal for great deals. You can also book flights, accommodation, car hire and more online with Sure Travel. Or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for quotes and/or a custom itinerary.
You don’t have to be a gridiron junkie to get caught up in the madness of Super Bowl weekend. From halftime shows to tailgates, this is sports-meets-entertainment at its peak.
It’s a cultural phenomenon as much as a sporting one. Bonus: California in February is much more forgiving than a snowbound East Coast location!
Even if you don’t land game-day tickets, there are massive fan festivals and viewing parties in the host city.
Check out Sure Travel’s dedicated sporting events ticketing portal for great deals. You can also book flights, accommodation, car hire and more online with Sure Travel. Or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for quotes and/or a custom itinerary.
Yes, the 2028 Olympics are outside the 2025–2026 window, but we’re including it here because you really need to plan far in advance if you’re serious about attending the LA Games!
The 2028 LA Olympics are shaping up to be one of the most innovative and immersive Games ever hosted. Witness history — and experience a city built for spectacle.
Book your accommodation early — and near a public transport hub, not just a venue. Olympic cities get extremely congested, and events are often spread out across different zones. Staying close to a major metro or train line (even if it’s 20–30 minutes from a venue) will save you hours in commuting, especially on peak competition days.
Check out Sure Travel’s dedicated sporting events ticketing portal for great deals. You can also book flights, accommodation, car hire and more online with Sure Travel. Or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for quotes and/or a custom itinerary.
Whether you’re following the Springboks abroad, watching tennis royalty at Roland-Garros or screaming in the stands at a FIFA World Cup knockout match, one thing’s for sure — the world’s biggest sporting events aren’t just for watching; they’re for living.
So, set that calendar, save those miles, book your event tickets and contact your Sure Travel Agent to start planning now, because your next unforgettable sports moment is just a boarding pass away.
