While the major sporting tournaments make the headlines (check out our 8 Bucket List Sporting Events for these), some of the most thrilling sports travel experiences come from the smaller — but no less epic! — events that take place throughout the year.
For South Africans looking to stretch their budget and/or time, these 2025 and 2026 events are well worth the detour:
Football fans, the action doesn’t stop at the World Cup — the beautiful game is in full swing year-round with tournaments and leagues that are perfect for sports travel lovers.
AFCON 2025 kicks-off on 21 December 2025 in Morocco, and promises to deliver all the drama and flair Africa is famous for, and of course Bafana Bafana will be in the mix!
Don’t overlook the FIFA U-20 and U-17 World Cups in 2025 (27 September to 19 October, and 3-27 November respectively), where the next generation of stars show their skills.
In the Americas, Copa América 2026 heats things up with football giants like Argentina and Brazil battling it out, with invited guests like the USA and Mexico adding spice.
And of course, the top-tier domestic leagues are running full throttle: the English Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and Ligue 1 all kick off in August each year and wrap around May. Whether you're catching a night match at Anfield, a derby in Milan or soaking in the atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabéu, these leagues are the heartbeat of global football — and an epic excuse for a sports-filled getaway.
Get tickets via Sure Travel’s dedicated sporting events ticketing portal, book flights, accommodation, car hire and more with Sure Online, and/or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for quotes and/or a custom itinerary.
From thundering tackles to sun-soaked try fests, the remainder of 2025 and 2026 are bursting with unmissable rugby action for fans ready to combine sport with adventure.
The epic Rugby League World Cup lands in France (October to November 2025), serving up fast-paced matches across stunning cities.
The legendary State of Origin series heats up Aussie winter once again in 2025 and 2026, while the NRL Grand Final lights up Sydney each October.
For Rugby Sevens fans, catch the HSBC SVNS Series in globe-trotting style — from Dubai and Cape Town (December 2025) to Perth, Vancouver, LA, Hong Kong, Singapore and Madrid in 2026. Whether you’re cheering from the stands or dancing in the fan zone, these tournaments are the perfect excuse to turn your next trip into a try-scoring adventure.
Get tickets via Sure Travel’s dedicated sporting events ticketing portal, book flights, accommodation, car hire and more with Sure Online, and/or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for quotes and/or a custom itinerary.
Cricket fans, get ready to pack your bags — the calendar up to December 2026 is absolutely stacked with world-class action.
The ICC Champions Trophy returns from February to March 2026 in Pakistan, bringing back elite ODI rivalries in a cricket-mad nation.
Just months later, the T20 World Cup lights up India and Sri Lanka (October to November 2026), promising packed stadiums, last-over thrillers and unforgettable atmospheres.
The World Test Championship Final is also on the cards for late 2026, where the two top-ranked nations will clash for red-ball glory.
Add in blockbuster bilateral series between cricket giants — including South Africa’s home and away fixtures — and you’ve got a dream itinerary for fans who love everything from five-day battles to firecracker T20s.
Get tickets via Sure Travel’s dedicated sporting events ticketing portal, book flights, accommodation, car hire and more with Sure Online, and/or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for quotes and/or a custom itinerary.
Tennis fans, the Grand Slams may get the spotlight, but the real magic happens all year long on courts around the globe!
The ATP and WTA Tours serve up a jam-packed calendar of iconic tournaments (from August 2025 to December 2026). The ATP Finals (November 2025 & 2026) and WTA Finals (October/November) are elite season-ending showdowns featuring the top eight players battling it out for bragging rights and big prize money — think high stakes, fast courts and electric atmospheres.
The prestigious Masters 1000 series (for men) and WTA 1000 events (for women) hit must-see cities like Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, Rome, Toronto, Cincinnati, Shanghai and Paris from March to November each year, with each event offering Grand Slam-level intensity (minus the chaos!).
Add in legendary team tournaments like the Laver Cup (September 2025) in San Francisco and the Billie Jean King Cup Finals (September 2025) and the Davis Cup (November 2025), and you’ve got tennis travel goals for every season.
Get tickets via Sure Travel’s dedicated sporting events ticketing portal, book flights, accommodation, car hire and more with Sure Online, and/or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for quotes and/or a custom itinerary.
From July 2025 through December 2026, Formula 1 fans are in for a turbocharged thrill ride packed with iconic Grand Prix battles and high-speed drama across the globe.
For the remainder of 2025, expect the sizzling Belgian GP at Spa-Francorchamps (July 2025), the adrenaline-pumping Italian GP at Monza (September 2025) and the exhilarating Singapore Night Race (October 2025).
Heading into 2026, brace yourself for the brand-new Las Vegas GP (November 2026) bringing glitz and glamor to the strip, plus the classic US GP (October 2026) at Austin delivering fierce American racing spirit.
With thrilling new circuits, fierce team rivalries, and the quest for glory in every corner, the next 18 months promise non-stop, heart-pounding F1 action that no fan will want to miss!
Get tickets via Sure Travel’s dedicated sporting events ticketing portal, book flights, accommodation, car hire and more with Sure Online, and/or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for quotes and/or a custom itinerary.
Whether you're chasing goals in Morocco, try-fests in France, sixes in Sri Lanka or aces in Arizona, the 2025 and 2026 global sports calendar is bursting with opportunities to turn your passion for sport into the ultimate travel experience.
These events aren’t just about what happens on the pitch or track — they’re about the energy in the stands, the cultures you’ll explore and the unforgettable memories you’ll collect along the way. So get your tickets first online, grab your jersey, pack your bags and let Sure Travel help you plan the trip of a lifetime to your dream sporting destination.
