How to Plan Your 2027 Cricket World Cup Trip
⚡ QUICK SUMMARY & KEY TAKEAWAYS
The 2027 Cricket World Cup will feature 14 teams and 57 matches across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. South Africa’s eight host cities will host 44 matches, giving supporters the opportunity to build a cricket itinerary around Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Bloemfontein, East London and Paarl while allowing time to explore each destination.
The 2027 Cricket World Cup will bring international cricket to eight South African host cities, with 44 matches scheduled to be played across the country as part of a 57-match tournament. From Johannesburg and Pretoria to Cape Town, Durban and the Eastern Cape, each destination offers its own cricket atmosphere and travel experience.
For supporters planning their SA27 adventure, the host cities are more than names on a fixture list. They are the places where match day, local culture, food, scenery and South African hospitality come together.
South Africa’s Role in the 2027 Cricket World Cup
South Africa is the main host of the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, co-hosting the tournament with Zimbabwe and Namibia. Cricket South Africa has confirmed eight South African host cities — Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Bloemfontein, East London and Paarl — with 44 matches to be hosted across them as part of the 57-match tournament.
The tournament will feature 14 teams and a new three-stage format before the semi-finals and final. For fans, that means a major international cricket event spread across a wide range of Southern African destinations.
Johannesburg — Cricket in the City
Wanderers Stadium
Johannesburg is one of South Africa’s biggest sporting cities, and the Wanderers Stadium is one of the country's most recognisable cricket grounds. The city gives visiting supporters a combination of international cricket, restaurants, entertainment, history and easy access to the wider Gauteng region.
If you are planning a Gauteng-based cricket trip, Johannesburg can also work well as a starting point for exploring nearby attractions before or after match day.
Pretoria — Cricket in Tshwane
SuperSport Park
Pretoria, officially known as Tshwane, is home to SuperSport Park in Centurion. Its position between Pretoria and Johannesburg makes it particularly interesting for supporters who want to base themselves in Gauteng and attend matches in more than one city.
The area also offers historic landmarks, gardens, museums and a relaxed city atmosphere away from the stadium.
Cape Town — Cricket Beneath the Mountain
Newlands Cricket Ground
Cape Town offers one of the most spectacular settings in world cricket, with Newlands Cricket Ground framed by the city's famous mountain landscape. A World Cup match here can easily become part of a much longer holiday.
Between matches, visitors can explore the Cape Peninsula, beaches, Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront and the nearby Winelands.
Our Cape Town Host City Guide will provide more information as the SA27 travel section develops.
Durban — Cricket by the Indian Ocean
Kingsmead Stadium
Durban brings a completely different atmosphere to the World Cup. Kingsmead Stadium sits in a coastal city known for its warm climate, beaches and distinctive food culture.
For supporters who want to combine cricket with a seaside break, Durban is an obvious destination to consider. The KwaZulu-Natal region also offers plenty of opportunities for exploring beyond the city.
Gqeberha — Eastern Cape Cricket
St George’s Park
St George’s Park in Gqeberha is one of South Africa’s historic cricket grounds. The city, formerly known as Port Elizabeth, combines a strong cricket tradition with coastal scenery and access to the wider Eastern Cape.
Supporters can use Gqeberha as a base for exploring beaches, nature and some of the region's famous wildlife experiences.
Bloemfontein — Cricket in the Free State
Mangaung Oval
Bloemfontein offers a different side of South Africa from the coastal cities. Mangaung Oval gives the Free State a place on the 2027 World Cup map and creates another opportunity for supporters to explore an inland South African destination.
Its central position can also make Bloemfontein an interesting stop for travellers building a longer road journey between regions.
East London — Cricket on the Coast
Buffalo Park
Buffalo Park in East London will bring World Cup cricket to another Eastern Cape coastal destination. The city provides a more relaxed setting for supporters who want to combine their cricket plans with beaches, nature and local attractions.
East London can also form part of a wider Eastern Cape itinerary together with Gqeberha and other regional destinations.
Paarl — Cricket in the Cape Winelands
Boland Park
Boland Park gives the 2027 World Cup a unique setting in the Cape Winelands. Paarl is surrounded by mountains and vineyards and offers a slower pace than the major metropolitan areas.
For travelling cricket fans, Paarl can be combined with Cape Town and other Winelands destinations to create a memorable few days around a match.
Eight Cities, Eight Different Experiences
One of the great attractions of the 2027 World Cup is the variety of South African destinations involved. You can experience a major city in Johannesburg, mountain scenery in Cape Town, the coast in Durban, historic cricket grounds in Gqeberha, inland travel in Bloemfontein and the Winelands around Paarl.
That variety makes it possible to build a World Cup itinerary around your own interests rather than simply following a stadium schedule.
How to Plan Your Host City Journey
Choose Your Priority Matches
Start with the matches you most want to attend. Once your preferred games and dates are known, choose the cities that make the most sense for your itinerary.
Group Nearby Destinations
Try to avoid unnecessary long-distance travel between consecutive match days. Grouping destinations by region can give you more time to enjoy each place.
Stay Long Enough to Experience the City
If your schedule allows, consider staying for more than one night. The best memories may come from what you do before and after the cricket rather than simply arriving for a match and leaving immediately.
Use the Host City as Your Travel Base
A good accommodation base can make match days easier and give you access to restaurants, attractions and transport. Our Accommodation Guide will help as more SA27 travel information becomes available.
Beyond the Stadium
The SA27 experience should not end when the final ball is bowled. South Africa offers wildlife, beaches, mountains, food, wine, heritage and adventure across its regions.
Use our Experience South Africa section to discover ideas for turning match days into a bigger Southern African adventure.
Start Exploring the SA27 Host Cities
Whether you are following one team, attending a handful of matches or planning a full cricket road trip, South Africa's eight host cities give you plenty of options. The key is to plan around the cricket while leaving enough time to experience the destinations themselves.
Which Host City Will Be Yours?
Explore the SA27 host cities, discover the venues and start building your 2027 Cricket World Cup journey.
Explore Host Cities →Sources: Cricket South Africa and the International Cricket Council. Host-city, venue and tournament information may be updated as official 2027 announcements are released.