South African football fans have been given another opportunity to enter the Mzansi to the World Cup Lucky Fan Competition after technical issues disrupted submissions during the initial entry period.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) confirmed that the competition, which initially ran from Wednesday 29 April to Friday 1 May, reopened from 08:00 on Saturday 2 May and will close at 17:00 on Sunday 3 May.

According to DSAC, the decision follows concerns raised by fans who were unable to upload their video entries.

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, said the extension aims to ensure fairness for all participants.

“Although every effort has been made to ensure a smooth process and a very functional and usable website, with most people reporting an excellent experience, we would not like to let even the perception of a technical glitch stand between any passionate South African fan and the opportunity of a lifetime.”

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McKenzie said it is unacceptable to him even if one genuine fan were locked out through no fault of their own.

“Every South African who loves this game, who believes in Bafana Bafana, and who wants to carry our flag to Mexico deserves a fair shot. We are reopening the competition, and I urge every fan who was unable to upload their entry to go for it again this weekend,” he said.

Winners to watch Bafana Bafana in Mexico

The competition will see 20 South African football supporters win an all-expenses-paid trip to watch Bafana Bafana take on Mexico in their opening group-stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City on 11 June.

The prize package includes return flights, three nights’ accommodation with meals near the venue, a match ticket, as well as ground transfers and travel support.

Of the 20 winners, 16 places are reserved for supporters representing each PSL club, while four wildcard entries are open to any South African fan.

Fans wishing to enter must submit a 30-second video clip along with their personal details via the official competition portal. Entries exceeding 30 seconds or duplicate submissions will be disqualified.

Valid South African passport a strict requirement

McKenzie further stressed that a valid South African passport is a strict requirement. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond June 2026 and contain at least two blank pages. Winners without valid passports will be disqualified.

Entrants are also reminded that additional costs such as domestic travel to the departure airport, Mexican visa applications, travel insurance, and personal spending money are not included in the prize package.

Prospective winners are advised that the Mexican visa process includes an initial document screening via email to consularsud@sre.gob.mx before attending an in-person interview at the Mexican Embassy in Pretoria, and that the full process can take between four and six weeks to complete.

All submissions will be evaluated by a panel of eight judges based on enthusiasm, passion, creativity and club alignment. The panel’s decisions will be final.

Winners are expected to be announced on Tuesday 5 May at 08:00 by the Minister and Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture.

• To enter the competition visit https://dsacevents.dsac.gov.za/DSAC_LuckyFan_WC26/ for more information.
• For any enquiries send an email to LuckyFans@dsac.gov.za.