Sports fans are in for a packed weekend from 23 to 25 October 2026, with major football clashes, international rugby and Formula 1 taking centre stage.
South African football supporters can look forward to the Carling Knockout Cup, while rugby fans prepare for the Springbok Women’s showdown against Ireland and another round of United Rugby Championship (URC) action.
Meanwhile, football fans around the world will turn their attention to El Clásico between Barcelona and Real Madrid, before the United States Grand Prix brings the weekend to a thrilling conclusion.
Here is your guide to the biggest sporting events to watch this weekend, including fixtures and kick-off times.
Carling Knockout Cup: Round of 16 Continues
The Carling Knockout Cup takes centre stage in South African football as teams battle for places in the quarter-finals.
Four Round of 16 fixtures are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, with clubs hoping to keep their cup ambitions alive.
Saturday, 24 October
- Golden Arrows vs Chippa United — 15:00, King Zwelithini Stadium.
- Polokwane City vs Siwelele FC — 18:00, Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Sunday, 25 October
- Kruger United vs AmaZulu FC — 15:00, Mbombela Stadium.
- Sekhukhune United vs Richards Bay FC — 18:00, New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The remaining four Round of 16 matches are scheduled for 27 and 28 October.
With knockout football leaving little room for mistakes, the weekend fixtures promise plenty of drama as teams fight to remain in the competition.
Springbok Women vs Ireland: WXV Global Series
South African rugby supporters will have another major fixture to follow when the Springbok Women face Ireland in the WXV Global Series.
The first Test takes place on Saturday, 24 October, at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.
The encounter marks another important opportunity for the Springbok Women to test themselves against international opposition as they continue to build their standing in the women’s game.
The teams are also scheduled to meet again at the same venue on 31 October, with another 15:00 kick-off.
Saturday’s clash promises to be a significant occasion for the home side as they look to make the most of playing in front of South African supporters.
United Rugby Championship: Sharks, Lions, Bulls and Stormers in Action
The United Rugby Championship returns with a busy schedule featuring all four South African franchises.
The Sharks and Lions travel to Europe for Friday night fixtures, while the Bulls and Stormers prepare to host their opponents on Saturday.
Friday, 23 October
- Sharks vs Cardiff Rugby — 20:45, Cardiff, Wales.
- Lions vs Edinburgh — 20:45, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Saturday, 24 October
- Bulls vs Ulster — 13:45, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria.
- Stormers vs Scarlets — 16:00, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town.
The South African sides will be keen to collect valuable competition points as the URC campaign continues.
The Bulls and Stormers will have home support behind them, while the Sharks and Lions face the challenge of securing results on the road.
Formula 1: United States Grand Prix
Motorsport fans can round off the weekend with the United States Grand Prix on Sunday, 25 October.
The race takes place at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, with the start scheduled for 22:00 South African time.
The race is expected to attract plenty of attention as the Formula 1 championship battle develops, with Mercedes teammates Kimi Antonelli and George Russell among the leading talking points in the title conversation.
The demanding Austin circuit is known for its combination of fast corners, technical sections and opportunities for overtaking.
For South African viewers, the late-night race provides a dramatic finish to an action-packed weekend of sport.
Your Weekend Sports Schedule at a Glance
| Date | Event | Main attraction |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, 23 October | URC | Sharks and Lions in action |
| Saturday, 24 October | Carling Knockout | Two Round of 16 fixtures |
| Saturday, 24 October | WXV Global Series | Springbok Women vs Ireland |
| Saturday, 24 October | URC | Bulls and Stormers at home |
| Sunday, 25 October | Carling Knockout | Two more cup matches |
| Sunday, 25 October | La Liga | Barcelona vs Real Madrid |
| Sunday, 25 October | Formula 1 | United States Grand Prix |
Which Sporting Event Will You Be Watching?
From the intensity of the Carling Knockout to the global spectacle of El Clásico, the Springbok Women’s international challenge and the speed of Formula 1, there is plenty for sports fans to enjoy this weekend.
Whether you support a South African football club, follow rugby closely or never miss a Grand Prix, the next three days offer something for everyone.
Which match or sporting event are you most excited about this weekend? Share your pick in the comments.
