World Cup 2026: South Africa defends $1.8m spend as Gayton McKenzie reveals full breakdown

South Africa’s government has defended its decision to spend nearly R31 million (about $1.8 million) on its FIFA World Cup 2026 delegation and related programmes, insisting the investment was aimed at promoting the country’s sport, culture and tourism footprint on the global stage.

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie released a detailed breakdown of the expenditure after criticism and questions were raised in Parliament and the media over the cost of South Africa’s World Cup activities.

McKenzie said the spending was part of a broader strategy to use football’s biggest tournament as a platform to showcase South Africa’s heritage, businesses, artists and tourism opportunities.

“The FIFA World Cup was the largest global sports, arts, and culture platform of the year, and it only comes around every four years,” McKenzie explained.

“Spending public money to position South Africa on such a platform is not a deviation from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) mandate – it is exactly the DSAC mandate.”

$1.7m bill covered travel, legends match and fan engagement

According to the minister, the total expenditure amounted to R30,945,370.15 (approximately $1.7 million), with 151 participants travelling to Mexico and the United States as part of the official programme, excluding the service provider team.

The largest portion of the budget, R10 million (around $550,000), was allocated to fan engagement activities, cultural showcases and legacy projects across host cities.

The funds covered South Africa’s exhibition spaces in Mexico City, Atlanta and Monterrey, including construction, branding, technical equipment, logistics, security and operational costs.

McKenzie said the programme allowed South African musicians, chefs, artists and entrepreneurs to introduce the country’s culture and products to international audiences.

“South African musicians performed live. Our chefs introduced the world to South African food. Local artists and crafters displayed and sold South African products proudly,” he said.

Legends match and official delegation among major expenses

The government also spent R7.86 million (about $430,000) on official travel and logistics for McKenzie, two support staff, the Director-General and a 14-member project team responsible for delivering the World Cup programme.

The amount covered flights, accommodation, local transport, insurance, allowances and other approved travel expenses.

Another R6.71 million (approximately $370,000) was used for the South Africa 2010 Legends Exhibition Match, involving 27 participants.

The match featured Bafana Bafana legends from the 2010 World Cup alongside Mexico’s 2010 legends and formed part of a legacy initiative celebrating South Africa’s historic hosting of the tournament.

“Our football legends didn’t just travel to watch football. They represented South Africa in an official exhibition match and legacy events that celebrated our football history and kept the spirit of 2010 alive,” McKenzie said.

Government rejects claims of wasteful spending

The remaining funds included R3.36 million ($185,000) for official hospitality venues in Atlanta and Monterrey, while R3.01 million ($165,000) covered 294 FIFA match tickets across three host cities.

McKenzie stressed that sponsorship support from private companies, including Brand South Africa, Coca-Cola, HONOR, Betway, Cell C and Old School, funded additional fan activities, journalists, podcasters, influencers and lucky fans who travelled to the tournament.

“That sponsorship sat outside the department’s own expenditure,” he added.

The minister argued that South Africa’s presence at the World Cup was not merely about attending matches but about creating international visibility and economic opportunities.

He said the initiative helped promote tourism, attract investment and strengthen South Africa’s cultural identity in front of a worldwide audience.